Why does Patneaude use an 11-year-old narrator to tell this story? What added dimensions does Joe’s perspective bring to Patneaude’s themes and narrative?

In what ways does the American government oppress the Japanese American community? How do small but significant oppressions foreshadow greater oppressions to come?

What do Mr. Spooner and Ray represent? How do they differ from other white American characters, and what is Patneaude saying by including them?