Children of the relocation camps

Gr 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 (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Short, factual texts and archival duotone photos highlight four groups of children: freed slaves after the Civil War, immigrants at the turn of the century, Dust Bowl victims in the 1930s, and Japanese Americans during World War II. Readers will need additional background knowledge to understand the significance of the historic periods, but these are adequate introductions. Notes to teachers and parents are appended. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.