From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026…
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Twelve-year old Jay Thatcher and his mother move in with his grandparents in a small Mormon, Utah community because his half Navajo father is missing in action in WWII which causes Jay to put his father on a pedestal as a war hero. Jay is thrust in the middle of action as he confronts prejudice as the boys in town nickname him, "Chief." Jay also confronts his own prejudices against the Japanese as he enjoys his friendship with the likeable young Japanese-American man, Ken, who lives in a nearby
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A fun quick read that gives a look at what it was like for Japanese Americans during WWII and also the racism a 1/2 Navajo boy faces at the time.
What Mr. Hughes did with the character of Gordy gave this its 4th star.
