When the Emperor Was Divine

When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka

A child's father is away at a military camp. The family looks forward to hearing from him. Later, they are required to leave their home in California to attend family camp. From the point of view of a child, the World War II Japanese internment is difficult to understand. They see that people don't like them, but don't understand exactly why. (Sometimes they have to ask who they are because they can't tell the difference between Japanese and other Asians.) They learn they need to behave in certain ways, to limit harm. 

The family finally does get to return home. They find their home has been trashed and valuables have been stolen. At least they have a house. Their mother struggles to find a job, but does eventually. Money remains tight. The long-awaited return of father finally occurs. Alas, it does not live up to expectation. Father is emaciated and lacks the vigor he had before. They barely recognized this man as their Dad. The internment had significant impact on all involved.