Children Of The River

[Mama Poot]

This was one of my favorite books in grade school. As I've gotten older I'm appreciating so much more that I overlooked in the story as a child. The beginning is so sad, and so hard to imagine being forced onto a boat and crossing the Pacific ocean merely days post-partum. And how everyone was so sick no one would offer to nurse Soka's newborn baby. Anyone else out there read this? I think its an excellent read for young girls.

[plantmama]

I also really enjoyed this book. It made me think about a lot of things. PLus the violence is fairly removed so it's not too overwhelming for a sensitive teen. I feel like it was really well written too. I vaguely remember being really moved by the river metaphor and then the young girl compares that to the American mentality of life. Is that right?
Two others that I can think of in the same league, and that give an awareness of different cultures and history are "Beyond the Bamboo Grove" (I think this was the title) about two girls and their mom trying to get back to Japan from Maylasia (?) during WWII. And Shabanu, about a girl growing up in Pakistan.
Have you read either of these?

[KristyDi]

I remember that book. I may have to go back and read it again. I may still have it.

[Mama Poot]

Originally Posted by plantmama

I also really enjoyed this book. It made me think about a lot of things. PLus the violence is fairly removed so it's not too overwhelming for a sensitive teen. I feel like it was really well written too. I vaguely remember being really moved by the river metaphor and then the young girl compares that to the American mentality of life. Is that right?
Two others that I can think of in the same league, and that give an awareness of different cultures and history are "Beyond the Bamboo Grove" (I think this was the title) about two girls and their mom trying to get back to Japan from Maylasia (?) during WWII. And Shabanu, about a girl growing up in Pakistan.
Have you read either of these?

No I haven't, but they sound up my alley. Who are the authors?

Oh, and for those who want to know the author of "children.." is Linda Crew.

[plantmama]

I know the "Shabanu" book was written by somebody Staples. I don't know about the other one but I saw it recently at our library. I bet you could find it.