Imprisoned: The Betrayal of Japanese Americans During World War II

Imprisoned: The Betrayal of Japanese Americans During World War II chronicles one of the darkest chapters in American history through photographs, documents, and testimonies. This non-fiction work examines the forced relocation of Japanese Americans to internment camps following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Sandler traces the lives of Japanese Americans before World War II, documenting their contributions to American society and culture. The narrative follows their experiences through internment, highlighting both the conditions in the camps and the resilience of those imprisoned. The book includes firsthand accounts from Japanese American soldiers who served in the U.S. military during WWII, presenting a complex picture of patriotism and persecution. Historical photographs and primary documents throughout the text provide visual context for the events described. Through careful documentation and historical context, the book raises fundamental questions about civil rights, constitutional freedoms, and the responsibilities of a democracy during wartime.

Readers consider this a clear, well-researched introduction to Japanese American internment for middle-grade and young adult audiences. The inclusion of primary sources, photographs, and first-person accounts resonates with students and teachers. What readers liked: - Accessible writing style for grades 7-12 - Extensive use of historical photos and documents - Personal stories that humanize the history - Coverage of resistance and court cases - Discussion questions for classroom use What readers disliked: - Some found the tone oversimplified - A few readers wanted more depth on specific topics - Limited coverage of post-war impacts Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (236 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (31 ratings) One teacher noted: "The photographs and documents make this history immediate and real for my students." Another reader commented: "A solid overview, though I wished for more details about the resettlement period." Several school librarians mention using this as a curriculum resource for teaching about WWII and civil rights.

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🔹 Despite being forcibly interned, over 33,000 Japanese Americans served in the U.S. military during World War II, with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team becoming the most decorated unit of its size in U.S. military history. 🔹 Author Martin W. Sandler has won multiple Emmy Awards for his television writing and has written more than 50 books, earning him the distinction of being named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. 🔹 Many internees were given just 48 hours to pack their belongings before evacuation, forcing them to sell homes, businesses, and personal property for a fraction of their value - resulting in estimated losses of $400 million (in 1940s dollars). 🔹 The first Japanese internment camp, Manzanar in California, has been preserved as a National Historic Site and receives over 100,000 visitors annually who can view original buildings and artifacts from the period. 🔹 In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act, officially apologizing for the internment and authorizing $20,000 in reparations to each surviving internee, acknowledging it was motivated by "racial prejudice, wartime hysteria, and a failure of political leadership."