Just in time for Asian American+Pacific Islander Heritage Month, George Takei’s latest book is “My Lost Freedom.” While initially known for, among other roles, as Lieutenant Sulu on the U.S.S. Enterprise (in the original “Star Trek” and in movies), Takei is now known equally for his writings and his activism.
Description: “A moving, beautifully illustrated true story for children ages 6 to 9 about growing up in Japanese American incarceration camps during World War II–from the iconic Star Trek actor, activist, and author of the New York Times bestselling graphic memoir, “They Called Us Enemy.”
About the Author
“George Takei is a civil rights activist, social media superstar, Grammy-nominated recording artist, New York Times bestselling author, and pioneering actor whose career has spanned six decades. He has appeared in more than forty feature films and hundreds of television roles, most famously as Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek, and he has used his success as a platform to fight for social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and marriage equality. His advocacy is personal: during World War II, George spent his childhood unjustly imprisoned in US incarceration camps along with more than 125,000 other Japanese Americans. He now serves as chairman emeritus and a member of the Japanese American National Museum’s board of trustees. George served on the board of the Japan-United States Friendship Commission and, in 2004, was given the Gold Rays with Rosette of the Order of the Rising Sun by the emperor of Japan for his contribution to US-Japan relations.
Michelle Lee is an illustrator and author who has been drawing since she could hold a pencil. Her illustrated book My Love for You Is Always received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and BookPage. As an Angeleno and an Asian American, Michelle felt a resonance with George’s story. She lives and works in the same area of Los Angeles where the story begins and ends.”
Reviews
“A candid yet tender glimpse at a bleak chapter in U.S. history.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This worthwhile picture book introduces an important topic in American history.” –Booklist
“Takei’s narration is contemplative but conversational, inviting the reader to see his experience both through the eyes of his child self and the somber reflections of an adult….relatable but terribly bittersweet.” –The Bulletin
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Author and Illustrator information from publisher and Bookshop.org. Reviews information from Bookshop.org.