My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War II Story

This is the best children’s book about the Japanese American internment camps during WWII. I wish that this book had existed earlier, so I could have read it to my kids’ classrooms when they were in elementary school. Every children’s library and elementary school in America should stock this book. This book tells the story of George Takei’s experience when his family was unjustly incarcerated for being of Japanese ancestry in the American concentration camps. Well-written and interesting. I also liked that he included personal photos in the book, which fans will enjoy. I highly recommend this book!

This was beautifully done. Very simple and wonderful read for children. I appreciate that it is our true American history, and find this a compelling story to tell my children. The subject matter is age appropriate, and it is through the eyes of a child watching his parents shelter him from what is really happening. Well soonSimply beautiful

Japanese internment during WWII is a shameful part of US history that everyone needs to know about. This story for children is a straightforward one told from a child's point of view. It shows how people live through difficult times with grace and poise. I highly recommend it.

A story that is important to remember, and such a nice way to remember. Every home should have a copy. True history should be remembered to keep us human. Some things governments have done in wartime should not be paid off or swept under the rug. I purchased one for my home, and for my children's home. Thank you for sharing your story.

I teach Japanese Language and Culture to Middle Schoolers in California. Although my students at this age are aware of the existence World War II, they won't learn more about this time period until they are in High School. I plan to do a brief lesson on WWII, and go in depth about the Japanese Intenment which includes reading this book to them. This is a time period that my students are curious about, and its from a first person's true accounts from a childs perspective and in the state that they live in. Thank you George Takei for making a telling of your story in a medium that is accessible for my students and those that want to learn more. I plan to buy the other books that George has written and put it in my classroom library for those of my students that want to investigate further.A note about the quality of the book:The quality of the book is beautiful and in good shape. I did notice one blemish on page 6. It is a gray slightly opaque oval shape that covers over words. It does not seem intentional, just a printing defect. Although I can still read the words in black through the oval, the words in red behind can not be read.I do not want this amazing book to lose stars over this one singular defect, which is why I am giving this book 5 stars.

As a senior citizen, I got this book for myself. Had heard about the Japanese-American detention camps, but needed to learn more. This book is valuable as it was written by an actual inhabitant. Also explains how they were transferred from camp to camp by train. Each camp was different, but they tried to make each place as nice as possible. This book contains lots of information about how Japanese-Americans were treated when in the camps and still mistreated even after their release. Even though they were totally innocent of any wrong-doing.

George Takei has become the face, and voice of a tragic piece of American history. In this children's book he shared his memories in a relatable and engaging manner, with some beautiful turns of phrase.His parents, and others like them, strived to give many of his generation a childhood behind barbed wire at a time when everyone, on both sides of the fence, was wrestling with fear.

George Takei is such a gifted writer and he’s tackled this difficult subject with words that are appropriate for any age. EVERY child needs to know what happened and why.