At Issue in History - Japanese American Internment Camps (hardcover edition) [Hardcover]

William Dudley (Author)

Book Description

Series: At Issue in History | Publication Date: October 4, 2001

In what many consider one of the most shameful episodes in U.S. history, 110,000 Japanese Americans during World War II were forcibly evacuated from their homes and sent to government camps. This collection of articles includes primary source documents and historical studies examining the decision to intern Japanese Americans and its lasting ramifications for American constitutional law and the Japanese-American community. (20020901)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 & Up--This compilation of documents begins with a detailed introduction to the topic, explaining what the assembly and relocation centers were, the differing statuses of Japanese Americans living in the U.S., the locations of the internment camps, and a summary of related legislation. The book is then divided into three chapters: "The Decision to Relocate West Coast Japanese Americans," "Constitutional Questions Raised-," and "Legacies and Lingering Disputes Concerning-." Each chapter has from four to six documents stating differing opinions about the internment during World War II. Each document begins with a statement telling about the author and his role in this part of U.S. history. Although the last chapter has essays from the 1990s looking back at the war, most of the other documents are from the 1940s, showing thoughts of the time period, not later interpretations. An annotated table of contents, a detailed index, and a lengthy list of further readings are included. Unlike the few other available books on the topic, this one does not contain any personal narratives or human perspectives from Japanese Americans who were imprisoned in the camps. This will be welcomed by teachers following the DBQ (document-based questioning) method of teaching history.
Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Because of the even-handed presentation, the title makes a strong and lasting impression. The writings are well chosen. A thoughtful and well-delineated addition."
-- School Library Journal (April 2003) (School Library Journal 20020701)

"This book will give students an understanding of a difficult time in American history."
-- School Library Journal (September 2002) (School Library Journal 20020501)

"This collection of primary-source material presents a well-balanced treatise on who knew what, and when, and who was responsible. This title deals with a debate that is seldom addressed."
-- School Library Journal (July 2002) (School Library Journal 20020301)

"As with books in the long-running Opposing Viewpoints series, the excerpts here clearly express opposing opinions on an issue...The effect of the entire volume is to create an informative, many-sided representation."
-- Booklist (May 2002) (Booklist )

"...Unlike the few other available books on the topic, this one does not contain any personal narratives or human perspectives from Japanese Americans who were imprisoned in the camps. This will be welcomed by teachers following the DBQ (document-based questioning) method of teaching history."
-- School Library Journal (March 2002) (School Library Journal )

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Greenhaven Press; 1 edition (October 4, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0737708212
• ISBN-13: 978-0737708219
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,129,026 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)