"Based on a true story"--Cover.

"Note from the author: While this project was inspired by the oral histories of many, it is important to note that the story is a work of historical fiction. To tell an authentic story, I made sure that the locations, dialogue, and scenes portrayed were as close to real life representations as possible. I weaved together historical accounts from my interviews and historical archives but the characters and narrative I've created are fictional"-- Title page verso.

Includes bibliographical references.

We Are Not Strangers explores a unique situation of Japanese and Jewish Americans living side by side in a country at war. Marco Calvo always knew his grandfather, affectionately called Papoo, was a good man. After all, he was named for him. A first-generation Jewish immigrant, Papoo was hardworking, smart, and caring. When Papoo peacefully passes away, Marco expects the funeral to be simple. However, he is caught off guard by something unusual. Among his close family and friends are mourners he doesn't recognize--Japanese American families--and no one is quite sure who they are or why they are at the service. How did these strangers know his grandfather so well?