The Princess Dolls

Set in Vancouver in 1942, 'The Princess Dolls' by Ellen Schwartz tells the story of an unraveling friendship between two best friends, Esther and Michiko. Their bond begins to fray when they both desire the popular Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret dolls for their shared birthday, but only Esther receives one. This personal disappointment is magnified by the growing societal hostility and racism directed towards the Japanese Canadian community, which tragically leads to Michiko and her family being sent to internment camps. The novel explores how these immense external barriers impact the girls' relationship, leaving them to navigate the complexities of race, privilege, and how to mend their friendship amidst the turmoil of World War II and the internment of Japanese Canadians.