Dickens & Rumi
Cover of MY LOST FREEDOM

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MY LOST FREEDOM

George Takei

The actor George Takei tells the story of his family’s incarceration in Japanese internment camps during World War II. (Ages 6 to 9)

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Death of a character1/5

Strongest positives

  • Educational value5/5
  • Positive messages5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of deaths and hardships within the camp environment occur, though not graphically depicted.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional use of historically accurate discriminatory language used against the characters.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The fear stems from the loss of agency, displacement, and the intimidating presence of soldiers.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Depicts state-sanctioned force and the threatening atmosphere of military guards and internment conditions.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The memoir emphasizes facing confinement and discrimination with resilience, truth-telling, and commitment to freedom.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The graphic memoir format makes history vivid and invites children to imagine the author's experiences, but it is not primarily about inventive problem-solving.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

The narrative is centered on the lived experience of a Japanese American family.

Educational value5/5
Why this rating?

Provides significant historical insight into the Japanese American internment during WWII.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Emphasis on familial support and shared human dignity under duress.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Deeply focused on the importance of justice, empathy, and safeguarding constitutional rights.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The author serves as a strong, reflective model for civic engagement and personal growth.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What is one new thing you learned or became curious about?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in MY LOST FREEDOM would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in MY LOST FREEDOM, and what caused that change?
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