We Are Not Free by Traci Chee
The book is a poignant and powerful exploration of the lives of a tight-knit group of young Nisei, second-generation Japanese American citizens, whose world is irrevocably changed by the events of World War II. Through a series of interconnected stories, the narrative delves into the experiences of these teenagers as they are uprooted from their homes and forced into internment camps by the U.S. government. The novel examines themes of identity, resilience, and the meaning of freedom as the characters navigate prejudice, injustice, and the challenges of growing up under the shadow of incarceration, all while maintaining the bonds of friendship and community that sustain them.