“In this touching story, young Mari is the embodiment of all Japanese Americans who were wrongly and unconstitutionally interned during World War II. She transcends her hardships and, most importantly, teaches all of us important lessons about our shared humanity and dignity.”
—Daniel K. Inouye, United States Senator

“A story about our past and the promise of our future, A Place Where Sunflowers Grow will make our history—and our humanity—bloom.”
—Don Nakanishi, Director, UCLA Asian American Studies Center

“Preservation of our history is the preservation of our democracy and a reminder of who we are as Americans. In a time of uncertainty, Amy Lee-Tai shines a light on what we are capable of perpetrating on our fellow citizens, and what we are capable of rising above.”
—Mike Honda, United States Congressman

“…beautiful, haunting depictions of life in an internment camp as seen by a child, and a narrative that is both simple and profound. A must in every school and library in the country.”
—Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, author of Farewell to Manzanar

“…a poignant story of hope amidst disheartening circumstances. With simplicity and grace, the book captures the ways that art serves to express and transcend feelings of loss and displacement…an important reminder of not only our troubled past and the fragile nature of civil liberties, but also of the ways children find inspiration and meaning that help them endure difficult times.”
—Michael Omi, Chair, Ethnic Studies Department, UC Berkeley

“A Place Where Sunflowers Grow reminds us of the human wellspring of hope in spite of injustice and the incomprehensible circumstances of imprisonment. Like the sunflowers that grow above the barrack walls at Topaz, Amy Lee-Tai and Felicia Hoshino lift up the indomitable human spirit that transcends suffering.”
—Janice Mirikitani, San Francisco Poet Laureate and Executive Director, Glide Church

“…a testament to the resiliency of children and the healing power of art.”
—Collette Morgan, Wild Rumpus Bookstore

“…a lovely, hopeful story. Felicia Hoshiro’s watercolors capture the golden desert sun and the faces of people forced to accept the unacceptable.”
—Linda Bubon, Women & Children First