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.