Customer Reviews

Children of the Relocation Camps (Picture the American Past)

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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.