Lawrence Matsuda was born in the Minidoka, Idaho Concentration Camp during World War II. An acclaimed writer, he has written three books of poetry, a fourth in collaboration with Tess Gallagher. Portions of Fighting for America: Nisei Soldiers were the basis for animation by the Seattle Channel and won Regional Emmys. His novel based on his mother's life, My Name is Not Viola, was published by Endicott and Hugh Books. Matt Sasaki is an artist on another volume in this series, We Hereby Refuse: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration. He lives with his wife and an old dog north of Seattle. Samples of his other work are online at mattsasaki.com.
"Matt Sasaki's illustrations are refreshingly original, beautifully expressive, and perfectly supplement the stories about the heroic achievements of six American patriots. Whether you favor reading or looking at graphic novels, this one is definitely worth your time. -Roger Shimomura, artist Praise for We Hereby Refuse: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration: ""It leaves you simultaneously furious, questioning ideas of loyalty and citizenship ... and deeply moved. May all of us learn, and share, these stories."" -Moira Macdonald, The Seattle Times With engaging biographies, Matsuda and Sasaki succinctly relate the Japanese American experience during World War II. Sasaki's intense illustrations leap off the page! -Ken Mochizuki, author of Those Who Helped Us ""Highly recommended for high school and college classrooms.""-Terry Hong, Booklist"