They Called Us Enemy

Written by: George Takei and Eisinger Scott Becker

First line: George! Henry! Get up at once!

Why you should read this book: In one of the more shameful chapters of American history, one hundred twenty thousand loyal Japanese-Americans were rounded up and locked in internment camps following the bombing of Pearl Harbor during World War II; almost half of these citizens were children, and one of those children was beloved Star Trek actor and queer rights icon George Takei. This autobiographical retelling of the four years he and his family lived as prisoners of their own country is a smart, accessible, and sometimes heartbreaking story about family, identity, love, and betrayal. The book's narrative arc follows a logical course but also moves about in time, making it useful for younger readers who may lack some of the cultural and historical knowledge necessary to make sense of young George's horrifying experience.

Why you shouldn't read this book: Takei's story has also been transformed into a Broadway musical, Allegiance, so if you like singing and dancing you might enjoy that version more than this graphic novel.