Takei, George. My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War II Story. Michelle Lee, Illus. Random House/Crown, 04/2024. [48]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-0-5935-6635-0. GRADES 1–4. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Star Trek actor, activist, and author George Takei (They Called Us Enemy, Top Shelf Productions, 2019) shares his experience during the Japanese incarceration period beginning when he was five. His perspective from a child’s eyes makes this history approachable for young readers who will connect with George as he laughs at the armed guards who shout “roar” upon arrival at Camp Rowher, splashes with new friends in a drainage ditch, and is dismayed by the “fake Japanese Santa.” The mixed media illustrations add to the children’s innocence, depicting them with sweet, individually expressive faces. These gentler details balance the harsh realities of camp life, including armed guards and military tanks. One weakness in the storytelling occurs when the author’s parents answer “No” to two government loyalty questions, resulting in the family’s removal to a harsher camp. The text of these questions is distorted and not fully readable due to the illustration and center fold. The extensive back matter does not include the questions, leaving the reader to wonder what they had answered “no” to. Includes California-specific content.
Cindy Gullikson—Joaquin Miller School / Oakland Unified School District