Bamboo People

Perkins, Mitali. Bamboo People. Charlesbridge: 2010. ISBN: 9781580893282.

Plot Summary:
Chiko lives in a small home in a Burmese town with his mother. His father has been taken to prison for being a traitor to the government. In actuality, Chiko's father is a doctor and went out late at night to visit a sick patient. As with most of the population, Chiko and his mother live in fear of reprisal from the government. An advertisement appears in the paper asking for teachers. Chiko dreams of being a teacher, his father taught him how to read. Hoping to earn some money for his family, Chiko goes to the government building to be a teacher. Sadly, it is a trap to get more soldiers for the Burmese army. Chiko is upset, disoriented and taken far from home. Becoming a soldier is the hardest thing he has ever done. But, if his father can carry on in prison, then he can become a soldier and try to find his father.

Critical Evaluation:
Bamboo People, a recent Junior Library Guild selection has an honest, vulnerable voice that cuts to the heart. Told in first person, we know what Chiko is thinking and can see trouble coming. The author does a great job helping us understand what this experience is like for Chiko. The second half of the book is narrated by Tu Reh, a 16 year old Karenni, who's village was burned by Burmese soldiers. The path of the two boys cross giving the story more depth as enemies must learn to go beyond mistrust and prejudice. The end of the book gives a brief synopsis of the history of Burma and the on going civil war. This is a great advantage to readers who may not be familiar with the background of this country. Teens benefit from a wider world view and learning what life is like for kids their age in other parts of the world.

Reader's Annotation: Mind your own business and you will stay out of trouble. Beware, the result may be a slow death inside your heart.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Growing up in an area ravaged by war is very difficult. Understanding the enemy seems impossible until you realize they are the same as you; scared, hungry and wanting peace so their families can be safe.

Genre:
Contemporary Life/Coming of Age

Why Book Included:
I read the dust jacket and couldn't put it down.