Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins 272 pages

In this culturally rich coming-of-age story, two teens on the opposite side of an ethnic conflict in modern day Burma learn to survive by trusting each other. Facing life and death decisions they must strive to do what is morally right rather than making the quick and cruel choices. Chiko is a quiet, studious student whose father, a doctor has been arrested. Tu Reh, an angry Karenni, rebel soldier lost his home to Burmese soldiers. This thought provoking book looks at universal themes, reasons for ethnic conflicts and the effects of war. A powerful look at a far corner of the world.