Chee, T. (2020) We are not free. HMH Books for Young Readers
Summary
WWII San Francisco saw over 100,000 Japanese and Japanese-Americans moved from their homes into an incarceration town. During these trying times, the community must pull together to show the world that they can be trusted, despite the bombing of Pearl Harbor, but also to help keep each other strong. Told from fourteen different perspectives, this novel is about the strength of human connection in the face of absolute racism and injustice.
A Teacher's Perspective
I chose this from the YALSA Printz Honor list for 2021 because I don't read enough diversity in my literature. I need more books like this. Many of my 8th graders are just now learning about concentration camps in Europe, so the idea of (basically) the same concept in their own country will blow their minds.
Books like these are important to historical literature. These days are often forgotten, they're rarely taught in public schools anymore (censorship much?) and need to be remembered. Injustices like these can happen again (#STOPASIANHATE). This book should be on every shelf.
Want to know more?
To purchase your own copy of We Are Not Free: Click here!
Traci Chee has a series of videos on YouTube discussing her research behind the novel:
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