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The Church Behind Barbed Wire — families singing near barbed wire fence
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A true story of faith, family, and dignity among Japanese Americans during World War II incarceration.

Johnny must leave behind his home, his friends, and even his faithful dog, Lucky. Everyone says, “It can’t be helped,” but Johnny and his family will find surprising help even behind barbed wire. Discover the remarkable story of the Japanese American church through the eyes of faith, wonder, and childlike innocence.

Ages 6–12 · Families · Classrooms · Churches
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“Soon, our church behind barbed wire seems more alive than ever.”

Johnny

“Even what others mean for harm, God means for good.”

Mama

The True Story

Manzanar cemetery monument with the Sierra Nevada mountains — photograph by Ansel Adams, 1943

Ansel Adams, 1943 · Library of Congress

This children’s book describes the internment and the Christian faith through a little boy’s eyes. It is based on a compilation of true stories from Tom Sugimura’s research in The Church Behind Barbed Wire: Stories of Faith During the Japanese American Internment of World War II (2022).

In February 1942, Executive Order 9066 authorized the forced removal of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans from the Pacific Coast. Terminal Island — a tight-knit fishing community near Los Angeles — was among the first to be evacuated, its residents given just 48 hours to leave everything behind. In the camps, Christians of every denomination came together to form churches, converting empty barracks into chapels and singing hymns that sustained their faith through years of injustice.

To learn more, visit the Japanese American National Museum, the Manzanar National Historic Site, or explore historical records at Densho.org.

What Readers Are Saying

“…a story for all generations that should be read by everyone, young and old! This insightful and thoughtfully written book brought back memories of my dad and mom who met in camp at Topaz, Utah, and helped me understand how their faith was encouraged during this difficult time.”

Kathleen Harada

Granddaughter of Jukichi and Ken Harada who died in the internment camp after winning the first Japanese American court test of the California Alien Land Law of 1913

“This beautiful and illuminating book introduces children to the story of the Japanese American followers of Jesus during wartime internment. While it honestly acknowledges the suffering endured behind barbed wire, it also reveals the resilient faith, inspiring courage, and steadfast hope that sustained these families.”

Ken Shigematsu

Senior Pastor, Tenth Church in Vancouver BC and bestselling author of Now I Become Myself

“I’m always wanting to better understand my Japanese ancestors interned during the war. This story is a sweet help. Tom and Amy elegantly capture pre-war life and wartime challenges, all framed by resilient character and Christian faith. It honors those who have gone before us, and in God’s providence, ends in a place where my own childhood memories begin. ‘The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places’ (Psalm 16:6).”

Gunner Gundersen

Dean of Faculty, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation

“This work is a beautifully told story that helps both children and adults understand their history, identity, and the role of the church.”

Steve S. Chang

President, SOLA Network

Endorsements

“Seen through the innocent eyes of a young boy, Tom Sugimura’s story brings the tragedy of Japanese American internment to life while revealing the unshakable hope that internees found through their faith in Jesus—even within the barbed-wire confines of the camps.”

Gary Shiohama

Founding Pastor of South Bay Community Church and JEMS board member

“One of the hardest things to do is uncover stories where our experiences as Asian Americans and as Christians intersect. This powerful and beautifully animated children’s book does the important work of testifying to churches that formed behind barbed wires during the Japanese Incarceration. I encourage everyone to read this.”

Raymond Chang

President, Asian American Christian Collaborative

“In this sensitively written children’s book, writer Tom Sugimura and illustrator Amy Lam skillfully tell the poignant story of forced relocation and incarceration of thousands of Japanese Americans during World War II. This story also highlights the redemptive role of the Christian faith in bringing encouragement and hope to those whose lives were greatly affected. It shines much-needed light on a sometimes forgotten aspect of American history.”

Bill Feltner

General Manager, Pilgrim Radio Network

“This story parallels my own family’s journey to Manzanar and beyond. What a great way to teach our children the history of the Issei and Nisei generations during troubled times.”

Cory Ishida

Father, Grandfather, and Retired Pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church

“This book is a wonderful read for all ages! Many are not aware of this chapter in American history and how the church played an important role of hope and faith to its parishioners.”

Terry Hara

President of the Terminal Islanders Association

“Follow one family’s harrowing journey from the outbreak of war until their departure from the camps. Through a little boy’s eyes, discover how they are fortified by missionaries, pastors, their community, and their faith. Thanks to this book for young readers, Christianity’s resilience under such unjust conditions can be better understood.”

Tim Tseng

Director, Asian American Christian History Institute, Fuller Theological Seminary

“Wow! A touchingly written and beautifully illustrated book for children that looks at a difficult chapter in American history. It includes meaningful discussion questions for use in the family or classroom.”

Jenny Manasco

Digital Archivist, American Baptist Historical Society

“Captivating art and a tender storyline to foster meaningful conversations with children about faith amidst the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.”

Tommy Dyo

Epic Movement

“The book provides a powerful account of a Christian family from the first community to be forcibly removed during WWII. I love the story and it makes me remember so many of the stories that I heard growing up.”

Mitch Homma

Fourth-generation American Baptist for the preservation of the Terminal Island Baptist History

“A touching and inspiring story of faith and perseverance, this book beautifully honors the resilience of Japanese Americans in a time of injustice.”

Eric Yata

Lead Pastor of Graceway Hayward Christian Church

“What a great job Tom and Amy do sharing what life was like for Japanese Americans who were wrongly incarcerated in the camps.”

Scott Shimada

JEMS Sports Director and Founder of Play4Him

Meet the Creators

Tom Sugimura

Written by

Tom Sugimura

Tom is a pastor, Bible professor, and father of four in Southern California. His hobbies include hiking with his wife, enjoying good eats, and collecting stories about his family history. In the 1920’s, Tom’s ojichan (Japanese “grandfather”) traveled across America at the age of 16 so he could practice his English. He loved this country so much that he decided to stay and raise his family. You can find more of Tom’s writing at tomsugi.substack.com.

Amy K. Lam

Illustrated by

Amy K. Lam

Amy is a self-taught illustrator and designer based in Southern California with a lifelong love for visual storytelling. Though she works as a licensed civil engineer, illustration has long been at the heart of her creative endeavors. She views her art as a gift from God to steward for His glory and is especially grateful to create meaningful stories she hopes to share with her husband and their growing family.

Get in Touch

Questions or Speaking Inquiries?

Whether you’d like to invite Tom for a speaking engagement, classroom visit, or simply have a question about the book — we’d love to hear from you.

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