Chiko is a city boy who has been kept at home since his father's arrest and imprisonment. His father has given him an education that very few in Burma ever receive. One day he answers an advertisement in the newspaper for teachers. Once there though, he discovers that he wasn't the only one drawn there under false pretenses. Other teens are there to apply for other various jobs. The girls are sent away and the boys are put on a bus - they are in the army now.
Chiko isn't used to the physical demands of army life and he doesn't believe in what the army is doing, but a paycheck is being sent to his mother and that is what keeps him going. After several months, Chiko is sent on a mission that will alter his life forever.
Tu Reh is a Kerenni boy who now lives in a camp on the border of Tailand. Several months ago, Burmese soldiers had overrun his village, setting everything on fire. Now Tu Reh is on his first mission with his father in the fight against the Burmese soldiers, when he comes across Chiko. Chiko is in a vulnerable position and Tu Reh's father leaves him with Chiko, forcing Tu Reh decide what to do about Chiko.
This is one of those novels that makes you aware of a political situation on the other side of the world. Perkins bases her story on a situation that is currently taking place. I think this is an amazing story, excellently written and completely compelling.
Chiko isn't used to the physical demands of army life and he doesn't believe in what the army is doing, but a paycheck is being sent to his mother and that is what keeps him going. After several months, Chiko is sent on a mission that will alter his life forever.
Tu Reh is a Kerenni boy who now lives in a camp on the border of Tailand. Several months ago, Burmese soldiers had overrun his village, setting everything on fire. Now Tu Reh is on his first mission with his father in the fight against the Burmese soldiers, when he comes across Chiko. Chiko is in a vulnerable position and Tu Reh's father leaves him with Chiko, forcing Tu Reh decide what to do about Chiko.
This is one of those novels that makes you aware of a political situation on the other side of the world. Perkins bases her story on a situation that is currently taking place. I think this is an amazing story, excellently written and completely compelling.