George Takei of Star Trek and other notable roles has written a graphic novel about his family's interment during WWII.Wow ! did you know that?
Interested ? I am ! the images on line look good I have a copy on hold at my public library. Nope I do not buy books often, usually borrow. Anyhow while I am waiting to preview here are a w middle grade novels and a picture book about a national shame, the relocation and incarceration of up to 120,000 U.S. citizens of Japanese ancestry between 1942-1946.
Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban, a favorite of mine because the imagery has stuck with me.; the contrast between the landscape of the Pacific Coast and the high desert in California resonates. The Japanese tradition of writing wishes or poems on paper and fastening the papers to tree limbs is explained. Main character, Manami finds another way to send her wishes because there are no trees in the camp.
Diamond in the Desert, by Kathryn Fitzmaurice, another title, not about mining but baseball and the games unifying force. Tetsu and his mother and sister are removed to an interment camp. His father has been taken away for questioning. Baseball is the main focus of this book yet the author develops the characters and setting well.
This book leads me to the last, a picture book
Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki recommended as a read aloud for multiple grade levels. The illustrator is Dom Lee.
ten word review: inventive, engaging, sensitive, charming, quirky, thought provoking, fun and funny, sad, and joyful