Author/Illustrator: Roland Smith
Publisher: Hyperion Books For Children
Publication Date: 2007
Genre: Young Adult Novel
Audience: Gr. 3+
Overview: When discussing World War II, most people do not recall the lesser-known battles, which raged in the 1940s in Burma. This gripping story is about a teenaged boy, who is sent there to live with his father, after his home, in London is threatened by bombs. As Nick begins to adjust to life on the family’s teak plantation, Japanese soldiers imprison his father, leaving Nick to survive. A coming-of-age story of courage, survival, and quick thinking, we see another dimension of the impacts of war.
Activity: Use this novel in a text set to explore multiple perspectives of war, Burma, elephants, teak plantations.
Reviewer’s Name: Deb Marciano
