Crossing the Farak River
by Michelle Aung Thin (Author)
Fourteen-year-old Hasina is forced to flee everything she knows in this gripping account of the refugee crisis in Myanmar.
For Hasina and her younger brother Araf, the constant threat of Sit Tat, the Myanmar Army, is a way of life in Rakhine province--just uttering the name is enough to send chills down their spines. As Rohingyas, they know that when they hear the wop wop wop of their helicopters there is one thing to do--run, and don't stop. So when soldiers invade their village one night, and Hasina awakes to her aunt's fearful voice, followed by smoke, and then a scream, run is what they do.
Hasina races deep into the Rakhine forest to hide with her cousin Ghadiya and Araf. When they emerge some days later, it is to a smouldering village. Their house is standing but where is the rest of her family? With so many Rohingyas driven out, Hasina must figure out who she can trust for help and summon the courage to fight for her family amid the escalating conflict that threatens her world and her identity.
Fast-paced and accessibly written, Hasina tackles an important topic frequently in the news but little explored in fiction. It is a poignant and thought-provoking introduction for young readers to the miliatry crackdown and ongoing persecution of Rohingya people, from the perspective of a brave and resilient protagonist.
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School Library Journal
Gr 6 Up--Drawing upon historical research and personal family history, Thin crafts a compelling story of life in the Rakhine province. Myanmar is a country in crisis, and 14-year-old Hasina's life is forever changed the day the helicopters arrive. It starts with a sinking feeling in her stomach, and shortly after the soldiers take over her entire village, rounding up all who identify as Rohingyas. As her community burns, Hasina escapes with her brother and cousin to the nearby forest. Motivated by her father's last words to keep the family together, Hasina wonders: Will their parents find them? Where will they go? How will they survive? Readers will find themselves gripped by the novel's rapidly changing events. While the plot touches upon difficult topics like human trafficking, violence, and death, they are referenced at a level appropriate and accessible for middle grades. Thin includes a time line, geographical resources, and a glossary to help readers better understand the ongoing conflict among the Arakan Army, Muslims, Buddhists, Burmese, and Rohingyas. VERDICT This title offers high readability and lends itself to nonfiction pairings exploring the cultural history and governance of Myanmar. A must-purchase for all middle grade libraries focused on building a diverse collection featuring complex world issues and #OwnVoices authors.--Monica Cabarcas, Albemarle High School, Charlottesville, VA
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.JUV016030 - Juvenile Fiction | Historical | Asia
JUV030020 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | Asia
JUV039280 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Religion & Faith
JUV004060 - Juvenile Fiction | Biographical | Asia
Survival
Persecution
Burma
1988-
Rohingya (Burmese people)
