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The Wakatsukis are forced to move out of Terminal Island and to Manzanar
President Roosevelt forced the Japanese Americans to be exiled as they were in war with Japan. Everyone was upset and sad, but they had no other choice.
Negative Character Development: Being a young girl, Jeanne had no clue about what was going on and was excited to move, but realized the sadness and gloom that surrounded them.
Relation to Theme: As a little girl, Jeanne and her family had often moved around, but in this case, they were forced out of their home and to the internment camps. -
Jeanne's father returns to the family in Manzanar
Everyone was shocked by their father's sudden change and return from Manzanar, but Jeanne, the youngest and least experienced ran to her father and hugged him with tears.
Positive Character Development: This portrays Jeanne's happiness in seeing her father again. Her father was a big influence on her character development,
Relation to Theme: Jeanne, being the youngest, approached her father and hugging him, portraying the other family members' feelings for them. -
Jeanne's father becomes an alcoholic and abusive
As her father changed after staying at Fort Lincoln, he becomes addicted to alcohol and often fought with her mother. As a result, he physically abused her and the household was too scared to help.
Negative Character Development: Jeanne and her family were always frightened of what their father would do next. Jeanne often hid under the bed, whimpering in fear.
Relation to Theme: Her once-loving father had changed, and Jeanne had to be constantly aware of that. -
Eleanor (Jeanne's older sister) gets a baby
The whole family gathers around, scared that Eleanor or the baby had died while giving birth. Fortunately, they both survived and everyone was happy.
Positive Character Development: After only seeing her parents fight, she realizes and sees how parents would normally show affection. She was very surprised but touched.
Relation to Theme: As Jeanne got to see her parents show affection for each other for the first time, Jeanne begins to realize what a real family feels like. -
The Wakatsukis are now free to leave the camp
After laws were passed, the Japanese-Americans were now forced to get out of the camps. Although the family was happy, they couldn't get used to it.
Turning Point: Living in the Manzanar internment camp for over 3 years, the family would have to adapt and find a new home. Also, they would have to live with the hate from the Americans.
Relation to Theme: Especially as Jeanne spent her childhood at Manzanar, she would need to adapt and live with discrimination from the outside world. -
Jeanne dreams of becoming Miss America
As Jeanne goes to school and makes American friends, she begins to Americanize. She wants to be Miss America, but her dad wants her to be Miss Hiroshima and stick to Japanese tradition.
Negative Character Development: As Jeanne approaches teen life, she tries to be more like herself. However, because of the race barrier, she can only watch her white friend, Radine grow in popularity.
Relation to Theme: Jeanne has her own dreams and plans, but they are blocked by her father and the race barrier. -
Jeanne becomes carnival queen at her school
Like Jeanne had always dreamed, she was nominated to be carnival queen by her peers, despite all the racial discrimination. However, it didn't turn out the way she wanted it to.
Positive Character Development: Jeanne received all the attention and support from her peers as carnival queen, but she didn't feel good about it: as a daughter and a Japanese.
Relation to Theme: Through this, she begins to realize what it takes for the attention of carnival queen, and she should accept Japanese culture. -
THEME
One's family and childhood are the key components in developing their maturity.
