Japanese Canadian story captivates students: Review of Obaasan’s Boots and ideas for classroom activities

By Kate Copley (she/her), teacher, New Westminster

This year marks my 30th year in the classroom. Like many fellow educators, I’ve found that one of the greatest challenges we face is discovering resources that truly engage students, align closely with the BC curriculum, and support cross-curricular learning. Last year, I came across a gem that does all of this: a children’s novel titled Obaasan’s Boots, written by two Canadian educators, Janis Bridger, teacher-librarian in New Westminster, and Lara Jean Okihiro, lecturer at the University of Toronto.

I would highly recommend Obaasan’s Boots for students in Grades 4–12. It aligns beautifully with BC’s curriculum, particularly in its focus on diversity, social responsibility, and historical thinking. Through gentle yet powerful storytelling, woven with authentic historical context, the novel offers young readers a meaningful way to explore complex themes such as racism, loss, identity, and resilience.

Written by cousins Lara Jean Okihiro and Janis Bridger, the story is inspired by their own grandmother, Hisa Okihiro, and her experiences during the internment of Japanese Canadians. I used this book and Hisa’s story as the central resource for our social studies and language arts units.

I felt that my students truly connected with this history. They were captivated by the personal story of one woman’s experience during a painful and unjust period in Canadian history. Many were so inspired by what they learned that they went beyond our lessons to do their own research, diving deeper into the history of Japanese Canadians during World War ll. It was a moment of real engagement—and a testament to the power of authentic storytelling.

The book is structured around the conversation between cousins, Lou and Charlotte, and their grandmother, offering insights into the impact of internment on families and communities. Through gardening activities like planting strawberries and watering snow peas, Hisa recounts her family’s forced relocation, the loss of their belongings, and the enduring trauma of those years. This storytelling approach not only illuminates a dark chapter in Canadian history but also fosters empathy and understanding in the younger generation.​ 

The book features illustrations by Yuka Yamaguchi that complement the story. The inclusion of a historical timeline and glossary provides additional context, making it a valuable resource for educational settings.

Obaasan’s Boots serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of storytelling in preserving history and fostering understanding between generations. It encourages readers to reflect on the past, recognize its influence on the present, and appreciate the resilience of those who lived through such hardships.​

Meaningful classroom tie-ins

Write a letter in character

Invite students to step into the shoes of a character from the novel. Ask them to reflect on the character’s experiences and imagine what they might say if they were in that character’s place. Then, have them write a letter from that character’s perspective to another person mentioned in the book. Encourage them to incorporate insights they gained while reading—focusing on the character’s emotions, motivations, and personal growth. This activity not only deepens empathy and comprehension but also helps students develop their voice, perspective-taking, and essential writing skills.

Personal storytelling and family history projects

Have students interview an elder or family member about a significant life event or memory. This activity mirrors the way Lou and Charlotte learn from Obaasan and encourages intergenerational connections. Students can create a short written or visual story, echoing the oral storytelling tradition emphasized in the book.

Explore Japanese Canadian history in BC

Use the book as a springboard into deeper study of the Japanese Canadian internment. Introduce students to primary sources, photos, maps, and survivor testimonies. Connect with organizations such as the Nikkei National Museum or visit websites like www.japanesecanadianhistory.com.

Garden-based learning

Obaasan’s stories are shared while gardening—a metaphor for care, growth, and memory. Start a classroom or windowsill garden, planting vegetables like snow peas or strawberries. Use gardening as a way to explore sustainability, food justice, and traditional knowledge systems.

Art and memory projects

Inspired by Yuka Yamaguchi’s illustrations, have students create their own memory boxes or visual art pieces that represent an important memory or family tradition. Display these in the classroom.