My Night in the Planetarium

The title of this autobiographical picture book from Nagara (A Is for Activist) might suggest a child awakening to the wonders of the universe. Instead, the book's revelations are darker and more local, as a planetarium becomes a refuge from political turmoil in the Indonesia of the author's childhood. Narrating with candor and casual humor, Nagara opens with a swift, context-providing overview of Indonesian history, including its ethnic diversity, colonization by the Dutch ("We Indonesians are really nice, so we let them stay. They stayed for 350 years"), revolution, and strict rule by President Suharto, who is referred to simply as "the General." Nagara's father was a playwright, and after an allegorical play about (and critical of) the General gained popularity, Nagara and his parents narrowly avoided capture by soldiers by hiding overnight in a planetarium. Though softened by warm, brush-stroked textures, Nagara's crisp-edged illustrations maintain a sense of danger and unrest throughout much of the story. It's a stirring tribute to the power of the arts to challenge injustice, recounted with the confidence of a practiced storyteller. Ages 6-9. (Oct.)

Gr 2-5--Nagara recounts what happened the night he and his mother stayed in a planetarium after a performance by his father's acting troupe. Nagara's father was an actor, playwright, and activist who often used his art as a means of peaceful protest against the oppressive government of Indonesia. Anticipating a clash with authorities after a final performance, his father escaped with the departing audience while Nagara and his mother hid out for the night in the planetarium, under the stars, so to speak. Nagara does provide some brief historical background of Indonesia: its colonization by the Dutch, its eventual independence, and the rise of a military-run government. The narrative is intimate and occasionally casual, which softens the impact of some of the scarier moments of the story but still engages readers and manages to explain colonization to young listeners. The pacing feels uneven at times, but overall this is a solid read. Collage and mixed-media illustrations are full of vibrant colors and lush detail. A brief epilogue gives further information about Nagara's father and his work. VERDICT A strong choice for larger collections looking to grow their international biography sections.--Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA