*All books will be signed with a doodle by author, Jeff Chiba Stearns
*Jeff has a very limited amount of TOMEY author copies that he's made available for sale to teachers and students from Richmond schools. Originally, TOMEY was only available for free to libraries and schools across Canada and these are the only hardcover copies available for purchase. These copies are from Jeff's own personal collection and guaranteed to run out!
*Download a free electronic PDF of TOMEY at bit.ly/tomey
TOMEY: THE UNYIELDING SPIRIT OF TOMEKICHI HOMMA shines light on the often untold story of one of Canada’s earliest social justice champions. Tomekichi “Tomey” Homma's inspirational story comes to life through an engaging graphic novel by Japanese Canadian storytellers, Jeff Chiba Stearns AND Ally Adachi.
In the late 1800’s, after leaving behind a life in Japan steeped in the samurai code, Tomekichi settled in Steveston, British Columbia to begin a humble life as a fisherman. He would soon rise to become a revered community leader with a relentless spirit to fight against injustice and challenge racist politicians and lawmakers.
Instrumental in starting the Japanese Fishermen’s Benevolent Society, Tomey would go on to advocate for the building of the first Fishermen’s Hospital and provide schooling for Japanese Canadian children. In 1900, he fought the government of British Columbia to grant Japanese Canadians the right to vote, only to later die in an internment camp before ever seeing his dream realized.
Intended audience: pre-teen, young adult (Ages 8+)
