We Belong Here by Frieda Wishinsky and Ruth Ohi is a book born from the sharing of family stories.

Set in 1950, Eve Bloom gets teased a lot at school because she’s a newcomer. When Mark Nakamura moves to the neighbourhood, they instantly connect over their hatred of bullying and their shared experience of being newcomers. Through their friendship, they begin to teach others in the neighbourhood the importance of a diverse community.

Frieda Wishinsky shares a story that has its roots in very personal experiences. As a newcomer once herself, she faced many of the same experiences that Eve faces in the story. Ruth Ohi was born in Canada but her mother was once a newcomer as well. Born in Japan and living in Canada after the second world war, things were hard for Ruth’s extended family. I love how this story takes inspiration from both of their shared experiences and shows how friendship can blossom when we give people a chance to shine.

This book is very direct. There is text and illustrations that accurately depict the sentiments in the public during the 1950s. There are comments about Eve being a newcomer as well as comments about Mark’s physical appearance so this book should not be shared without giving readers context and without having a willingness to have discussions after reading about how the things being said affect people. It is an excellent book to use in discussions about World War 2 and about equity and inclusion.

At its core, this is a story about belonging and the ways in which we can all help to make eachother feel included in our communities. By working together, Eve and Mark help show their wider community how important people like Mrs. Bloom and Mr. Nakamura are to the fabric of our society

Ruth Ohi’s illustrations are realistic and appropriate for the place in history where this story is set. She also includes some amazing resources for parents and educators to use to further discussions from the story and to help readers understand the message and how they can help their classmates and neighbours feel the same sense of belonging that Eve and Mark find together.