John Okada's No-No Boy is a groundbreaking novel exploring the Japanese American experience during and after World War II. Following Ichiro Yamada, a young Japanese American who refused to serve in the U.S. military and was subsequently imprisoned, Okada reveals the complex psychological and social challenges faced by Japanese Americans during a period of intense racism and national trauma. The novel becomes a profound meditation on identity, loyalty, and the cost of resistance. WHY WE PICKED IT: Because some stories of resistance are quieter, but no less powerful. Okada shows us that courage sometimes looks like saying no when everything around you demands compliance. DETAILS: • Author: John Okada • Publisher: University of Washington Press • Format: Paperback
