We Are Not Free, written by Traci Chee, is a historical fiction novel about a group of Japanese American teenagers during World War II, depicting the injustice and cruelty that Japanese Americans went through from the perspectives of fourteen second-generation Nisei teenagers–Minnow, Shig, Mas, Tommy, Ike, Twitchy, Keiki, Frankie, Mary, Stan, Bette, Yuki, Yum-yum, and Yosh. Chee tells the story through the combination of all fourteen perspectives. From the story’s beginning, Americans showed brutality towards the Japanese, often discriminating against them and even attacking innocent Japanese people on the streets. 

For instance, when President Roosevelt passed the Civilian Exclusion Act No. 20, the Japanese, regardless of where their loyalties lay, were forced to leave their homes and communities and relocate to internment camps where the living conditions were inadequate. Guards constantly monitored the Nisei and treated them as enemies. Not only were they treated with prejudice by the Americans, but they also had internal conflicts caused by a questionnaire given by the United States government to confirm loyalties. The people who were patriotic towards America were the "Yes, Yes" Japanese, while those who weren’t were the "No, No" Japanese. The two groups often clashed within the camps because of their beliefs. Chee portrayed numerous possible lives of Nisei through the main characters, contributing to diversifying and expanding the plot. 

I recommend this book to high schoolers or mature middle schoolers as Chee uses mature language and depicts mature themes. It contains heavy racism, death, blood, and violence. It is informative while intriguing, leaving a deep impression about Japanese incarceration during World War II, which students would most likely have to learn about in US History. 

I adore almost everything about this book, from the plot to the characterization to the description and writing style. I especially enjoyed the changes in perspectives, as this reveals more about other people's different beliefs, attitudes, and lives. Moreover, it develops a deeper connection with the characters. I felt like I was immersed in the book with fellow teenagers. My favorite character is Yum-yum because she had to take care of her sick mother and immature younger brother alone in the detention camp. I think it is admirable that even though she had issues and hardships, she still took on the parenting role for her brother when both of her parents were unavailable. Another aspect I love about this book is Chee’s ability to manipulate my emotions. Her descriptive language and unbelievably detailed portrayal of the characters brought me to tears multiple times throughout the story. I was also livid during some parts of the story, such as when the American ice cream store owner screamed something like, "we don’t serve Japs here."