Named after an English king, he would go on and represent Asian Americans in Hollywood and beyond. Some know him as the “Oh my!” guy, some know him as a human and GLBTQ+ rights advocate, some know him as a playwright, but most probably know him as Mr. Sulu on Star Trek. His name is George Takei. He would live through several years of some of the worst American history during World War II. While we were fighting for Liberty in Europe and Japan, we were locking away millions of people behind barbed wire fences that were located in cold places, harsh locations and even swamps because of where they or their parents were born, Japan.
My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War II Story is a well written introduction to the internment camps of the 1940s for the Japanese American citizens of the US. Told honestly, but for the younger reader (ages at least first grade and up, though younger could do if strong with concepts), the years Takei and his family (his parents, brother and sister) lived in horse stalls, one room for five people and in some of the harshest conditions is straight forward. It is seen through the eyes of a child but the maturity of the subject is not sugar coated.
Well illustrated by Michelle Lee with a realistic, natural toned, but softer approach to help counter the theme, illustrations, the story comes to life. These and the extras allow for the book to grow with the child and for the adult readers. Currently available, I read via an online reader.