Citizen 13660

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with questions about civil rights, systemic injustice, or the feeling of being an outsider in their own country. It is an essential resource for families wanting to discuss the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II through a lens that is both deeply personal and historically rigorous. Miné Okubo uses her background as an artist to document daily life in the camps with a dry, observant wit that makes a heavy subject approachable for middle and high school students. While the book deals with the weight of racism and the loss of freedom, it focuses on the resilience of the human spirit and the power of creative expression as a form of survival. It serves as a powerful mirror for those exploring their own cultural identity and a window for those learning about a dark chapter of American history. Parents will appreciate the way it balances raw honesty with a sophisticated, objective tone that invites critical thinking and empathy.