Book details
The Clay Marble (Sunburst Book)
Description
Fleeing war-torn Cambodia in 1980, Dara, her mother, and her older brother find sanctuary in a refugee settlement on the Thailand border, but when fighting erupts, Dara finds herself separated from everyone and everything she loves.
Age
9-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
163 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Insight: 'The Clay Marble' provides readers with a deep and personal look into the Cambodian culture and the impact of war on its people, offering a unique perspective that is both educational and enlightening.
- Historical Understanding: The book is set against the backdrop of the Cambodian civil war, and reading it helps to understand the complexities of this historical period, the struggles faced by those who lived through it, and the resilience of the human spirit in times of conflict.
- Character Development: Minfong Ho masterfully crafts characters that are relatable and compelling, allowing readers to form emotional connections and learn from their journeys, growth, and the choices they make in the face of adversity.
- Themes of Hope and Friendship: Despite the harsh realities depicted in the novel, 'The Clay Marble' is ultimately a story of hope, friendship, and the power of human connection, which can serve as an inspiration and a reminder of the good that can emerge even in the darkest of times.