Helen Copeland (1920-2016) was a writer and poet, authoring over 50 works throughout her lifetime. A single mother in the 1950’s, she decided to devote herself to her creative endeavors, raising her children, and community service.

Her collaboration with illustrator Kurt Wiese, Meet Miki Tikano, tells the story of a young Japanese-American boy who has been asked to perform at an upcoming school event celebrating world cultures. The children are encouraged to invite their grandparents, but alas all of Miki’s grandparents have passed away. Miki is able to solicit friends from his local neighborhood community to become his “surrogate” grandparents for the event. While the story does play to some racial stereotyping, it is unique in that a Japanese-American is the central character, and it is suggestive of an America which is inclusive of people from all parts of the world.