We Are Not Strangers

Set against the backdrop of World War II, this graphic novel explores the unlikely friendship between a Jewish immigrant and his Japanese American neighbor during a time of racial injustice. Following the death of Marco Calvo's grandfather, Papoo, the story unfolds through the memories of their shared community in Seattle's Central District. As Papoo strives to support his friend Sam Akiyama, whose family is incarcerated due to Executive Order 9066, the narrative highlights themes of solidarity, discrimination, and the impact of individual actions in times of division.