My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War II Story

.r 1-4–Takei recounts his childhood experiences in American internment camps during World War II in this powerful and emotional book. Vividly brought to life by Lee’s mixed-media illustrations, this work provides a poignant and unflinching look at a painful time in history through the eyes of a child who was four when it started. “We were seen as different from other Americans. This was unfair. We were Americans who had nothing to do with Pearl Harbor. Yet, we were imprisoned behind barbed wire fences,” Takei explains in the opening before going on to show a testament of the strength of family and community, particularly in his mother’s determination to create a sense of home no matter what the harsh camp environments offered. The narrative masterfully conveys the mixed emotions of life in the camps—feelings of loss, fear, and resilience—as well as the confusing and bittersweet experience, once the war was over, of leaving the camps that had become home. Lee’s evocative and expressive scenes capture every emotion with precision and sensitivity. The inclusion of actual family photos and additional historical context at the book’s conclusion serves as a powerful reminder that this is a true story, making the narrative all the more compelling.