Japanese American Incarceration

November 1, 2022

Gr 4-6-With the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans in recent years, now is a good time to teach children about the history of discrimation against Asian Americans and how they can help address it today. Students will learn about Angel Island, Japanese internment, the colonization of Hawaii, and refugee resettlement. Many of these issues will be completely new to readers. The books begin with an overview before diving into a more detailed history of the subject. Topics covered include the loss of widespread use of Hawaiian language due to colonization, the restrictions put on Chinese immigrants, and paper sons. Sections titled "Think About It" ask students to reflect on inequalities or ask them to place themselves in another's shoes to build empathy. The series sheds light on little-known atrocities like the Chinese Massacre of 1871 and traces anti-AAPI hate to the current physical attacks and use of 'Kung Flu' and 'China Virus.' The books finish with suggested activities to demonstrate knowledge of injustice and ways kids can be allies. VERDICT An extremely important topic that receives little attention. Recommended for classrooms and libraries.

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2023
Grades 5-8 The Racial Justice in America: AAPI Histories series (4 new titles) provides information and objective insights on the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who became American citizens. Though there is some overlap, each of these volumes looks closely at a specific topic, presenting it clearly and concisely and, in some cases, mentioning apologies by American officials for injustices committed decades earlier. Illustrations, appearing on nearly every double-page spread, include well-chosen archival photos and useful maps. Japanese American Incarceration includes an explanation of why Loh-Hagan uses the term incarceration, rather than euphemisms of the time (e.g., relocation or internment camps), when referring to the experiences of Japanese Americans held in prison camps during WWII. Sometimes including the immigrants' and their descendants' viewpoints, this series offers important perspectives on immigration history.

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