A young Japanese American girl and her family return to California after spending three years in an internment camp during World War II. Mariko misses her friends from the camp, and the kids at school aren’t friendly. Her father’s once-successful gardening business is gone, along with his truck and the tools he needs to start over. “Mariko knew her parents were worried. Through the thin walls of the trailer late at night, she could hear them whispering, their words circling the dark rooms like birds without a safe place to land.” This picture book realistically portrays the difficulties faced by Japanese Americans after the war and ends with hope built on the family’s hard work, determination, and love. The stylized illustrations use multiple media and techniques, including ink and gouache resist, scanning, and computerized coloration. (Ages 5–8)

World War II is over and Mariko and her family are finally allowed to leave the camp. But the transition back into society isn't easy. Mariko's father longs to restart his gardening business, but his truck has been stolen. The family moves to a trailer park, where Mariko sees her parents are worried and their spirits are low. She has an idea to create happiness for her family by bringing gardening back into their lives.