We Are Not Free, written by Traci Chee, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: During World War II, fourteen Japanese-American teens, living in the same San Francisco neighborhood, ranging in age from 14-20, are taken from their homes and forced into Topaz incarceration camp with their families. Though they are connected by ancestry, the kids come from very different households and bring unique perspectives and attitudes to Topaz. As their different voices tell each chapter, moving chronologically through time, readers hear about the daily struggles of their existence, the poor living conditions and limited resources, the compulsion to rebel against inhumane treatment, the desire to hold on to any small pieces of their prior lives outside the camp, and the confusion about why American citizens are being treated in such a horrible way. A government questionnaire, asking whether the incarcerated teens would be willing to serve with American forces overseas and whether they would be willing to swear sole allegiance to the U.S. Government, causes further division in the camp and amongst the group, forcing some into military service, some into more restrictive camps, and some to be left behind. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This novel is an incredibly powerful and well-researched portrayal of the varied experiences of Japanese-Americans who were detained in incarceration camps. Though some teen readers may balk slightly at the frequently changing perspectives as the narration shifts from character to character, the number of voices is what makes this book as thought-provoking as it is. Other books on the subject may offer one singular voice sharing one singular experience, but by including so many narrators, Chee sheds light on the diverse experiences amongst the individuals struggling in these camps. Students will find it eye-opening to read about the disparity and disagreements amongst the incarcerated - how some wanted to stay safe through acquiescence and some wanted to fight back against injustice, how some were willing to swear fealty to the U.S. to be seen as American and how some were unwilling to risk military service or renouncement of their heritage to do so. In any traumatic situation, different mindsets come into play, and Chee showcases that concept beautifully as we see characters adjust to life in Topaz through a myriad of feelings, from frustration to quiet optimism to rage. And the true beauty of the story lies in seeing how the relationships that had built up amongst a group of neighborhood kids continue within the camp. Friendships become stronger through adversity, crushes continue despite the circumstances, and some relationships are heartbreakingly destroyed under the weight of the experience. The book is beautiful as a whole text, but individual sections or chapters could be excerpted for use in history classes. Combine We Are Not Free with George Takai’s They Called Us Enemy or Frank Abe’s We Hereby Refuse to make compelling text sets for supplemental study. A must purchase text for any middle school or high school library.

Running, written by Natalia Sylvester, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: Mariana’s dad is running for President and things are starting to get awkward. For as long as Mari can remember, her dad has been campaigning for one office or another, and she has always been his biggest supporter. But this time around, the expectations for Mari and her family are so much higher than ever before. She is under constant pressure and scrutiny to be the best version of herself, which makes her feel more like a political strategy than a beloved daughter. Her mother seems to understand Mari's frustrations and complaints, but ultimately, she always sides with Mari’s father. Mari is trying to make sense of her family’s new drive to win at all costs, but the more time she spends thinking about the campaign, the more she realizes that she doesn’t actually know much about her father’s policies and political views. And when tabloid photos of Mari are taken out of context, even by her family members, Mari starts to wonder if she should be putting more consideration into how she would cast her vote. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Running is a fantastic story about how today’s political climate affects young people, and about how critical it is for individuals, especially youth, to stand up for their views and beliefs. Mari’s direct connection to the candidate in question (her father) drives home a poignant message about the importance of following policies and votes, not just words and promises. Mari’s family is Cuban-American, living in Miami, and Sylvester does an incredible job incorporating real-world political issues that are deeply connected to Miami, like immigration and deportation issues, coastal water health and protection, and class and racial division. A full cast of characters, including her childhood friends, her new activist friends, and even her mother and grandfather, help open Mari’s eyes to the ways that her father’s politics affect the everyday lives of people in her community. The book ends with many issues unresolved, and a few relationships hanging in the balance, but provides a satisfying conclusion to Mari’s period of awakening, closing a chapter on Mari’s youth and opening a door toward a more engaged future. This book will be an easy sell to politically aware and active teens, and provides an interesting, fast-paced story for those who are simply looking for a good coming-of-age novel.