This novel is a fictionalized account of Arn Chorn-Pond and his personal experiences when the Khmer Rouge came to power in Cambodia in the mid 1970s. The story is told from Arn's account, which really comes through in Patricia McCormicks decision to write in broken English (i.e., nonstandard sentence structure, syntax, and diction that fit those of man whose first language is not English).
Arn was a poor child living with his Aunt and siblings when the Khmer Rouge suddenly moved everyone out of their homes and villages claiming they would only be gone for three days. The Cambodians are moved to work camps where they are worked and starved to death by the Khmer Rouge who is also killing off everyone of education and power. First Arn works in the field along with everyone else, and then one day volunteers to play music in the camp, even though he has no previous experience. He learns that music is his survival and becomes somewhat famous due to his skill at playing the khim.
The story is emotionally gripping and horrifying at the same time as Arn recounts how at the age of 11 he became hardened to death almost over night.
Challenge
The book would be challenging for students because of the broken English (once you get into it, it is much easier to keep going). Also, the names and places in Cambodia would be unfamiliar. Giving students background on the Khmer Rouge and the devastation that occurred during this civil war would help students tremendously.
Curriculum Connections & Themes
This could be used with a unit on War, especially the Vietnam War. The blurred line between fiction/reality reminded me a lot of The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien; it has some similar themes but it is very very different. Also, the voice of the character comes thought especially since the novel is written in nonstandard English.
- Survival
- Never giving up
- Horrors of war: death, loss, suffering, and cruelty
Lexile: 710L
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.4
Interest Level: Grades 9-12
Controversial Scenes/Languages:
There is really no fowl language, however, the scenes of death and war are gruesome. Patricia McCormick makes sure the reader can feel, smell and hear the same things that Arn was experiencing in the killing fields in Cambodia.
Rating: 4/5
Awards:
YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults
National Book Award Finalist