NEA Big Read Program at American Memorial Park (Saipan

NEA BIG READ PROGRAM at American Memorial Park

By Jovannalyn Mafnas, PHP-AMME Education Specialist

Pacific Historic Parks was one of 79 organizations awarded a National Endowment of the Arts Big Read grant to host a community reading program on Saipan.

The NEA Big Read seeks to broaden our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book.

The 2019 NEA Big Read Program in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) focused on When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka. This historical fiction novel follows a Japanese American family in California during World War II after they are sent to an internment camp in the Utah desert. The sharing of this novel gave readers a different perspective of World War II, providing insight as to how it was like being a Japanese American and living in the United States during this difficult time.

Prior to World War II, the CNMI was under the Japanese Administration for 30 years. Many of the indigenous people were taught to speak Japanese and even today that influence is seen in the language and culture of the indigenous people. This past year, we commemorated the 75th Anniversaries for the Battle of Saipan and Tinian by not only remembering the battles that took place, but all the people who were involved. After the Battle for the Marianas, the surviving indigenous people and Japanese civilians were placed in internment camps on Saipan where they remained for two years. Although this was a turning point in CNMI history, when they were no longer under the Japanese Administration, there is not much known about the time in the camps. Through the sharing of this family’s story during the NEA Big Read Program, we hope to encourage young readers to start discussions, make connections and learn more about the history of their home.

In partnership with the National Park Service, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, CNMI Public School System, Northern Marianas College and other various community partners, Pacific Historic Parks was able to reach readers throughout the CNMI on Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Funding from the grant allowed us to purchase over 800 copies of the NEA Big Read title, When the Emperor was Divine to be distributed to libraries, schools and during NEA Big Read events. The distribution of the books to all public libraries, middle schools and high schools on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota meant more people could participate in this community reading program. Teachers and librarians were given reader’s guides and lesson plans to assist them in incorporating the book into their curriculum.

Throughout the program, various book discussions and special events were held at the park, as well as in libraries and classrooms throughout the island. Participants were also able to meet the book’s author, Julie Otsuka, through a video call at the American Memorial Park Visitor Center Theater. For many students and educators, this was an amazing opportunity as it is not often that authors make a video call to meet readers. The NEA Big Read Program was a big success and the books continue to be circulated in the libraries and schools where more people will be able to enjoy the story for years to come.