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They Called Us Enemy � George Takei
Co-authors: Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott
Illustrated by Harmony Becker
4****

George Takei, best known as Lt Hikaru Sulu, science officer aboard the Spaceship Enterprise, recalls his childhood growing up in an internment camp after the US government required that even US-born persons of Japanese ancestry be treated as “enemy� during World War II.

George was young and his parents tried to shelter him and his siblings from the realities. They shouldered the burdens and tried to give their children a sense of community and security despite the conditions they endured. George’s father, in particular, took a leadership role within the camps where they were assigned, leading work crews to help improve conditions, ensuring schooling for the children, and even organizing entertainment. But as George grew into his teens, he came to realize how degrading this treatment was. He lashed out at what he viewed as his parents� passivity; he wanted anger and rebellion. Over time, he came to understand his parents� decisions and he found that he could draw upon his childhood experiences and lead efforts to inform Americans about the policies of the US during that period.

I found the graphic novel format really engaging and accessible. Becker’s illustrations were excellent; not too dark so it was still easy to read the text. The facial expressions she gave the characters really helped to convey the emotions they were feeling.


LINK to my review