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beths0103's review
4.0
I love books that introduce kids (and adults!) to moments in history or injustices in the world that are otherwise foreign or unknown to them. Mitali Perkins does this in her newest book Bamboo People. She takes the story of two boys, Chiko and Tu Reh, two theoretical enemies, one Burmese, one Karenni, and shows how their lives collide.
I found Chiko's story incredibly gripping and tragic but I had a more difficult time following along with Tu Reh's story. The character names in his half of the story were all so similar (Sa Reh, Bu Reh, Ree Meh...) that I couldn't remember who was who.
With books like this, I often find myself reading the author's note either at the beginning or mid-way through my reading because it helps to give context to the story. That is something I encourage all readers to do. I'll be doing a book talk on this book with my new class in September, and the first thing I'll do is read the author's note, and then I'll lead into telling them about the story.
I highly recommend this book as a parley into teaching and learning about the injustices of modern Burma.
I found Chiko's story incredibly gripping and tragic but I had a more difficult time following along with Tu Reh's story. The character names in his half of the story were all so similar (Sa Reh, Bu Reh, Ree Meh...) that I couldn't remember who was who.
With books like this, I often find myself reading the author's note either at the beginning or mid-way through my reading because it helps to give context to the story. That is something I encourage all readers to do. I'll be doing a book talk on this book with my new class in September, and the first thing I'll do is read the author's note, and then I'll lead into telling them about the story.
I highly recommend this book as a parley into teaching and learning about the injustices of modern Burma.
sirimimi's review against another edition
5.0
Hvorfor var den her bog så god?! Jeg havde overhoved ikke forventet det. Men det var den altså, og jeg kunne ikke lægge den fra mig. Den var så klog og lærerig, og jeg elskede alle personerne!!!
shicklin's review
5.0
This is one of the many amazing treasures my parents brought over. Eli asked for books on war, and when we first told him we were coming to Indonesia, he replied, "That's okay for now, but really, I have a heart for Burma." Lately he has been talking about someday going to Africa... I love that kid. But this review isn't about Eli, it is about this book.
Such a sad and terrible situation, yet I think the author handled it in a way that glorifies God and shows a better way. I was doubtful that a book about child soldiers could be middlegrade fiction, but I believe she succeeded and I will enjoy reading other books by this author someday.
I have also heard that Burma is now officially called Myanmar. While this is true, many people continue to call it Burma, and this is what the nationals use to refer to their country in everyday talk.
Such a sad and terrible situation, yet I think the author handled it in a way that glorifies God and shows a better way. I was doubtful that a book about child soldiers could be middlegrade fiction, but I believe she succeeded and I will enjoy reading other books by this author someday.
I have also heard that Burma is now officially called Myanmar. While this is true, many people continue to call it Burma, and this is what the nationals use to refer to their country in everyday talk.
kiperoo's review
4.0
This was a very well-written book, which shed light on the conflict (still) going on in Burma, which many of us in the United States have heard about only peripherally. The story was told from two different points-of-view: Chicko, a Burmese boy drafted into the army against his will, and Tu-Reh, a Karenni boy who decides to save Chicko's life when he has the chance to leave him for dead.
I zipped through the story and felt very close to both characters, wanting to see things end up well for both of them (and for people on both sides of this conflict).
I would have preferred to have more of Tu Reh's story - he entered the book about 2/3 of the way through, by which point I was firmly invested in Chicko's side. If he had been a voice from the beginning, I might have felt even closer to his side of the conflict.
In any case, kudos to Mitali Perkins for undertaking something so different from her "teen girls with ties to India" books. While I think I personally prefer her lighthearted style in some of her other books, I was really impressed with what she accomplished here.
I zipped through the story and felt very close to both characters, wanting to see things end up well for both of them (and for people on both sides of this conflict).
I would have preferred to have more of Tu Reh's story - he entered the book about 2/3 of the way through, by which point I was firmly invested in Chicko's side. If he had been a voice from the beginning, I might have felt even closer to his side of the conflict.
In any case, kudos to Mitali Perkins for undertaking something so different from her "teen girls with ties to India" books. While I think I personally prefer her lighthearted style in some of her other books, I was really impressed with what she accomplished here.
bluebanister's review
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
2.75
joolz_reads's review
5.0
Decided to reread this the other day and now I remember how much I enjoyed it. The stories of Chiko and Tu Reh are realistic ones that have lessons to teach to all ages. I highly recommend this book as it teaches us empathy and to keep from judging those who may at first seem like our enemy; a common thing amongst currently worldly disputes. Perkins writes in a way that captivates your attention and doesn't allow you to get bored or shy away from dealing with such a heavy subject.
sandraagee's review
4.0
Liked this one a lot more than I expected, honestly. The two main characers are both very endearing and the writing style pulls you into the story.
teslar1's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
marlo_c's review
3.0
My 13 year-old son read this and wanted me to read it as well. It's not a book I'd pick up on my own, but it was a good, quick read that would gently open the eyes of the audience it's intended for.