St. Charles author named finalist in statewide Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project

Rebecca Taniguchi of St. Charles/Campton Hills has been chosen as one of three finalists in the statewide Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project competition for her novel "Hiro's War."

"I am delighted to be honored by the Soon to Be Famous Project for writing 'Hiro's War,' which tells the little-known story of Japanese Americans who fought valiantly for their country while their friends and families sat in U.S. concentration camps, rounded up and thrown into the armed prisons because of their race," she commented.

In its telling, "Hiro's War" explores how Chicago became a beacon of hope for many of these citizens and their parents, offering acceptance, jobs, and services to help restart their lives during and after the war.

Indeed, Chicago was the largest resettlement site in the country as it aided tens of thousands of Japanese Americans and their parents.

As Taniguchi said, "Written at this time when other groups and individuals are shunned as outsiders, Hiro's story teaches that the American ideals of justice and equality for all demand constant work and vigilance, compassion and resilience."

The other two finalists are Len Joy of Skokie for his "American Past Time" and Alina Rubin of Niles for her "A Girl with a Knife."

The winner will be announced in November.

"Hiro's War" has also been honored with the silver Midwest Independent Publishers Association Award and the silver Montaigne Medal in the Eric Hoffer Book Awards.

Learn more at hiroswar.com.