Impounded: Dorothea Lange and the Censored Images of Japanese American Internment

"Impounded: Dorothea Lange and the Censored Images of Japanese American Internment" provides a poignant visual narrative of a grim chapter in American history, resonating profoundly with themes of racial justice and immigrant rights. Published on February 17, 2008, and acclaimed as a Best Book by the San Francisco Chronicle, this powerful work showcases 119 previously censored photographs by Dorothea Lange, one of the twentieth century's most influential photographers. These images, suppressed by the U.S. Army, reveal the harsh realities faced by Japanese Americans forcibly relocated to internment camps during World War II. The book not only captures the physical conditions of the internment camps but also the emotional and social turmoil experienced by these communities. Historians Linda Gordon and Gary Okihiro provide expert commentary, enhancing our understanding of the broader historical and cultural impacts of this period. "Impounded" is an essential read for high school students, serving as a critical tool for understanding the complexities of racial policies and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of injustice. This book challenges readers to reflect on how history's shadows can inform our present choices and responsibilities.