Children of the Relocation Camps (Picture the American Past) [Hardcover]

Catherine A. Welch (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: Picture the American Past

Explores the experiences of Japanese American children who were moved with their families to relocation centers during World War II, looking at school, meals, sports, and other aspects of camp life.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-Large, sepia-toned photos with informative captions appear on almost every page and help tell the story of Japanese-American internment during World War II. The brief text explains the hysteria, distrust, and hatred that led to the eventual incarceration of these innocent citizens. The pictures, along with quotations from former detainees, help to describe the experiences families were forced to endure. However, the vocabulary is controlled, resulting in some oversimplification, e.g., the text erroneously states that FDR declared war on Japan; only Congress has that power. A note to adults suggests related questions and activities, including instructions for making a Japanese stone garden.
Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575053500
• ISBN-13: 978-1575053509
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,717,891 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great overview of an important topic, July 6, 2005

By 

K. Wilson (Upstate NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Children of the Relocation Camps (Picture the American Past) (Hardcover)

Children of the Relocation Camps tells the story of Japanese American children who were forced to live in relocation centers during World War II. The book looks at how after Pearl Harbor was bombed by Japanese warplanes, the United States became fearful of Japanese Americans. The U.S. government forced thousands to leave their homes and move into relocation camps. The quotations in the book by prisoners in the relocation camps help to describe what this experience was like. While the text in this book is sparse, the topic is one of importance that is not given enough attention. The book also includes a timeline of the related events, a short dictionary of words used in the book, and instructions on how to make a Japanese Stone Garden.

This book is appropriate for ages 10 and 11. Children in this age group are developing an understanding of history and an interest in world issues. They are also beginning to show concern for others and show empathy for those suffering from injustice. I would use this book in a school setting as part of a discussion on World War II and the relocation camps. The children could read other books on the subject and then discuss what life would be like and how they would feel if they were forced to move into a relocation ramp. Black and white photographs of Japanese Americans in the camps provide children with an important visual element that will help them to understand that these events really happened.