Thorn Among the Roses

On December 5, 1941, fourteen-year-old Aiko Tanaka eagerly immerses herself in her family's preparations for the Rose Parade in Los Angeles, balancing her Japanese heritage as a Nisei with her American dreams. Amid rising tensions and prejudice, Aiko's world shifts dramatically following the events of Pearl Harbor, leading to devastating changes in her community and family life. As she grapples with loyalty and identity, Aiko must find the strength to finish building a float that symbolizes her family's place in a country that suddenly views them as the enemy. Based on thorough historical research, Thorn Among the Roses explores a pivotal week in American history through the eyes of a determined young girl.