Within These Lines By Stephanie Morrill

Lines are funny things.

Evalina would follow Taichi to the ends of the earth. Lines mean nothing there. But she might have to, because anyone and everyone of Japanese descent is being rounded up and sent to internment camps without the barest of provisions. As Taichi faces the battle lines of radical Japanese gangs and death lists, Evalina faces the battle lines indifference of her school mates and neighbors. And their relationship finds itself trapped within its own lines as well.

But will it ever find its way out?

This was a very carefully written book. I never knew much about the Japanese internment camps, and learned so much from reading this book. The conditions they were forced in were heartbreaking, especially when portrayed through the main characters’ eyes.

I loved how Evalina spoke out. I related a lot with her struggle to be heard and feeling like her world had a hand over her mouth keeping her silent. I related to her frustration and anger when no one would listen. That struggle and emotions are one of the biggest takeaways I had from the book. But most of all I love that she didn't let it beat her. She crossed those lines and spoke about what had been placed on her heart.

That being said, Evalina and Taichi don't always make the best decisions. (I.e. keeping their relationship a  secret from their parents) But they learn from those mistakes and become better people from it.

Another one to be recommended to cross the lines from a store shelf to your bookshelf.