Why/how is point of view important to understand the book Eyes of the Emperor written by Graham Salisbury?For the purpose of...

Eyes of the Emperor is written in the
first person point-of-view from the perspective of Japanese American, Eddie Okubo.  He
lies about his age to join the US Army just as America is entering WW2.  The story that
ensues is a personal account of 16 year old Eddie's experience in the Army, including
the racism he encounters, which is just as terrifying to him as the threat of the
enemy.

Salisbury has been praised for this realistic work
of historical fiction.  Much of the story draws from personal accounts taken by
interviewing various Japanese Americans veterans.  The point of view has likewise been
praised for providing an immediate connection to the emotions these Japanese soldiers
certainly experienced.  In addition to the pride and patriotism of serving a country
they desperately wanted to believe in, there was an equal amount of humiliation from
segregation, racism, and the sheer ignorance of
others.

Written at a level appropriate for 7th grade and
up, this book provides students with an opportunity to understand the concept of
prejudice and the realities of war in a personal way.  Yet, it also intertwines positive
lessons in patriotism and the equality of the human condition.  Rather than reading like
an impersonal history lesson, the point-of-view paints a realistic portrayal of events
and emotions that students can connect to and remember.