It Began With a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way

by Kyo Maclear & Julie Morstad

“It shouldn’t be that way. Not out there in the streets. Not here on this page. We need to break the rules.”

This book tells the true story of Gyo Fujikawa; a Japanese American illustrator and children’s book author. Throughout her life she remained determined to learn and draw. She was deeply impacted by the events she experienced including her family being placed in an internment camp during World War II, the Civil RightsA group of rights (things promised to you) that protect people's ability to live life within a larger group (usually a country) without being treated unfairly because of things like skin color, gender, physical limitations, or religion. Civil rights include protecting people's physical and emotional safety. More MovementA group of people acting as one because of a shared belief. More and more. She used her resolve to push the publishing industry; becoming the first mainstream illustrator to include pictures of children of many races in her work.

Story Read Aloud

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Talk About It

• When the story starts, Gyo hears her mother and her friends talking about women not being able to vote. Did you know that it was only 100 years ago that women got the right to vote? Did you know that in parts of our country there are people who are still looking for ways to make it hard for people of color to vote? Do you think that is right or fair? Why is it important for every citizen to be able to vote?
• Gyo often felt unseen as a child? Why do you think she had that experience? Do you think it is okay for people to be ignored or treated poorly because of their raceWhen people are grouped based upon certain physical characteristics; most commonly skin color. More or ethnicityThings that a group of people share like having the same ancestors, speaking the same language, or sharing the same religion. More? What can you do if you ever see this happening to someone?
• When Gyo goes to Japan she had the experience of being surrounded by people who reflect what she sees in the mirror. Why would this be important? (Use this as a branching off point for why it is important today to make sure that in the books we read, shows we watch, etc we see diversityThis word simply means differences.  It generally refers to differences in things like race, gender, religion, language, culture, or appearance. More. Recognize that white privilegeThe ways in which White people have an easier time in life simply because of the color of their skin. More allows us to not have to think about this kind of thing because we are depicted all the time.
• During World War II, Gyo’s family and many other Japanese Americans were placed in internment camps based solely on their heritage. Do you think that was an okay thing to do? How would you feel if someone assumed you couldn’t be trusted because you are white, etc? (This is opportunity to talk about the protests happening right now demanding change because the police and legal system are quick to prejudge Black people as dangerous; also known as systemic racismRules and behaviors within a business or group that treat people of color negatively. This can impact things like where someone lives, how much money they make, access to clean water, and the kinds of interactions they have with police and the law. More.)
• Make sure your child understands what Gyo meant when she said her heart was broken; making it hard to draw.
• Gyo started working to change the illustrations in children’s books to be more inclusive. What would it feel like to walk in to a library and not be able to find anyone that looked like you in the thousands of books to choose from. Talk about how not feeling represented or seen causes children to question their own beauty and worth.
• Talk about segregationSeparating one group of people from another; often based upon race. Segregation happens when a society views one group of people as better than another. The goal is to keep the "lesser" people away from the "superior" group. This is often done by treating the other group poorly and denying them basic civil rights. More and how White people had unfounded fears about the safety and intelligence of Black people. Explain why this is not okay and that there is still work to be done because prejudiceCreating ideas about someone we do not know based upon something like skin color or gender. Prejudices are generally negative. More is still something Black people experience repeatedly in their lifetime.
• When Gyo was finally able to get her book printed with babies of various skin tones it quickly showed that babies loved it. Why do you think that is? Are babies born with ideas about who people are based on skin color? If they aren’t then how do you think this is learned? What can we do to change this kind of behavior?

Explore More

• The book ends with the idea that kids are ready for a “bigger, better world.” Think as a family of ideas you have for how the world can indeed become better. No idea is too big or too small. Think about changes you’d like to see in your family, school, neighborhood, city, country, etc. Create a vibrant poster with your list. Decide as a family on a plan for starting to turn your ideas into action.
• Write and illustrate a story inspired by the idea that when children of all skin colors come together the world can be made better. Print out copies of the story and share it with family and friends.