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Summer Reading 2020

Information on the Books for 2020 Summer Reading

Why Choose This Book?

They Called Us EnemyThey Called Us Enemy

by ,, &  (co-writers),  (Artist)

They Called Us Enemy documents actor (Star Trek), activist,  and internet personality George Takei's  experiences growing up in the Japanese-American concentration camps during World War II. Told in comics form, this memoir highlights the resiliency of a family during a time when they were persecuted due to their heritage. It also recounts Takei's adult activism in fighting for recognition and reparations for those who were imprisoned.

"This evocative memoir shares stories of the nation’s past, draws heartbreaking parallels to the present, and serves as a cautionary tale for the future. For all readers old enough to understand the importance of our collective history."

School Library Journal - Starred Review

 

Winner: 2020 Asian Pacific American Literature Award (YA)

Read this book if...

  • You like stories focused around families
  • You are a fan of George Takei
  • You want a fair, first person, perspective on a dark period in American History

 

Videos

Introduction to the book, by author George Takei

Book Trailer: "They Called Us Enemy" (Mooresville, IN Public Library)

See More videos in the "More About the Book" section below.

More About the Book

"Why I Love a Country that Once Betrayed Me" - TED Talk

"George Takei Wants People to Stop Using the Phrase 'Japanese Internment Camps'" - Late Night with Seth Myers

Library Database Resources

Passwords on CANVAS

Online Video

Ugly History: Japanese American Incarceration Camps - TED-Ed Densho

"Japanese Americans visit a WWII Incarceration Camp"- Buzzfeed viedo

"A Personal Matter" -- Documentary

A Personal Matter from John de Graaf on Vimeo.

Articles and News Links

Resource organizations for studying Japanese-American Incarceration during World War II.