John Okada's No-No Boy takes place in Seattle after World War II. The main character is named Ishiro. He is a "no-no boy" because he refused to fight in the war because his mother thought it to be treasonous. When he was released after 2 years in prison, he headed back to Seattle. This is where most of the story takes place.

As Ishiro is heading home, he meets a familiar face. The person he meets is named Eto. Ishiro tries to avoid Eto but eventually Eto catches him. They talk for a while and Ishiro alludes to the fact that he is not a veteran. Eto quickly changes his attitude towards Ishiro and spits on him. Once Ishiro is home, he sees his father first, his mother is away buying bread. Ishiro is not very happy with his parents or with the...