Early Life and Background

Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston was born on September 26, 1934 in Inglewood, California. She is of Japanese descent and grew up in a predominantly white community. At the age of seven, Jeanne and her family were forced to leave their home and were sent to live in the Manzanar internment camp during World War II.

Education and Career

After the war ended, Jeanne returned to California and eventually attended San Jose State University where she studied journalism. She went on to have a successful career as a writer and educator, focusing on issues of Japanese-American identity and history.

Notable Works

One of Jeanne's most well-known works is the memoir "Farewell to Manzanar," which she co-authored with her husband, James D. Houston. The book details her experiences growing up in the internment camp and has been widely acclaimed for its honest portrayal of the Japanese-American experience during WWII.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This includes earnings from her writing career, speaking engagements, and royalties from her books.

Personal Life

Jeanne currently resides in Santa Cruz, California with her husband James D. Houston. She has three children and several grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time with her family.

Legacy

Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston's work has had a lasting impact on the Japanese-American community and has helped to shed light on the injustices faced by Japanese-Americans during WWII. Her memoir "Farewell to Manzanar" continues to be taught in schools across the country and has inspired countless readers to learn more about this dark period in American history.

Overall, Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston is a respected writer and advocate for social justice who has made significant contributions to literature and historical understanding. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations to learn from the mistakes of the past and work towards a more inclusive society.