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m2
Apr 29, 2013m2 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Originally published in 2010, Bamboo People, is new in paperback and just listed on the 2014 Rebecca Caudill Master List. Mitali Perkins gives us a fascinating story of two boys involved in Myanmar’s ongoing war with its ethnic minorities. Studious Chiko is tricked by the Burmese military into the army; tough Tu Reh is a Karenni refuge intent on avenging the burning of his village. Bamboo People, told from both of the boys’ perspectives, is an adventure story, a war story and a real page turner. Mitali Perkins (Rickshaw Girl) lived in Chiang Mai Thailand for three years and toured Karenni refuge camps on the Thai-Burma border, which gave her the idea for this book. Her website, www.bamboopeople.org, is terrific, sharing resources with kids who want to help. Strongly recommended.