Member Profile

Please note: All profiles are member-generated.

Susan Aihoshi

Susan Aihoshi

Susan Aihoshi is a third-generation Japanese Canadian writer and editor, who was born and lives in Toronto. Her first book, Torn Apart: The Internment Diary of Mary Kobayashi, is based on the experiences of her own family members.
 

City:
Toronto
Province:
Ontario

Publications

Torn Apart: The Internment Diary of Mary Kobayashi. Scholastic Canada, 2012
Links:
Susan Aihoshi's website
http://susanaihoshi.ca/
Eligible for National Public Readings Program:
Yes

WITS

Presentation Description

A third-generation Japanese Canadian, Susan explains how she used her own family's experiences during WWII to help her write her first book, Torn Apart: The Internment Diary of Mary Kobayashi. In her introduction, she explains how she had little interest in her family history until she had to research this book.

She then reads excerpts from this fictional volume in Scholastic Canada's Dear Canada series, and shows period and family photographs to illustrate the story. The presentation ends with a Q & A session with members of the audience. A one-page preparatory list of questions is available for handout in advance, if students have not read the book.

Susan will tailor her presentation to suit particular subject areas (English, Creative Writing, History, Social Studies).

 

Presentation Length:
40 minutes to an hour, or one school period
Genre:
historical fiction
Grades:
4 and up, through high school
Audience Size:
Flexible

Equity Initiative

As part of the Union’s Equity Implementation Plan, we are committed to increasing awareness of authors who are Black, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQI2S, or living with a disability. This author identifies as:

  • Black, Indigenous, and/or racialized