An American story of Heroism, Family, Patrotism and Sacrifice During World War II The newly released non-fiction book, When the Akimotos Went to War: An untold story of family, patriotism and sacrifice during World War II, captures the story of three Japanese American brothers--Victor, Johnny, and Ted Akimoto--who volunteered for military service while their family members were forced into an internment camp. Despite the nation-wide fear of the Nisei--the first generation of Japanese children born in the United States who were American citizens--the Akimoto brothers pledged their loyalty and bravery to the U.S. military, wanting to prove that being an American ran deeper than race. Through the use of photographs, letters, and original documents, the voices of these three brothers are heard throughout the book From stateside training to fighting in Europe, the Akimoto brothers served proudly, hoping to help change public perception of Japanese Americans. But ultimately, not all of the brothers return after the war, proving that bullets and disease do not discriminate. This story turns back the pages of history and allows the reader and insight into the human side of war , told through a single family. The Akimoto family and this collection of their decisions have lessons to teach all of us about life and death while also providing us a view and better understanding of the Japanese-American experience during World War II. This story will engage middle school students and above to identify and understand the struggles that Japanese-American soldiers endured during World War II. This content will help students expand their knowledge about U.S. history to include an understanding of training camps, shipping out overseas, loss of life, and prisoner of war camps during World War II. Other related products: Nisei Linguists: Japanese Americans in the Military Intelligence Service During World War II -print paperback format can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/008-029-00432-1 ePub eBook format can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/999-000-33332-4 World War II collection can be found here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/us-military-history/battles-wars/world-war-ii