First Page Panda
Home
About
Contact
Tue 21 Dec 2010
Posted by annastan [24] Comments
Win a signed copy of Bamboo People ! Details at the end of this post.
Teachers wanted. Applicants must take examination in person. Salaries start at— “Chiko, come inside!” Mother calls through the screen door, her voice low and urgent. On the road behind our house, horns toot, sirens blare, and bicycle rickshaws crowd the streets. A high cement wall and a barrier of bamboo muffle the noise, making our garden seem as private as a monastery. But it isn’t. I could be spotted from the houses nearby, and spies are everywhere. They would betray even an old neighbor for extra ration cards. I scan the rest of the announcement quickly, my heart racing. “Chiko! Now! ” Mother startles the flock of green parakeets perched on the birdbath, and they fly away. I fold the newspaper around A Tale of Two Cities and head for the house. I want to tell Mother about the call for teachers in the paper, but it seems like she’s getting more anxious by the day. So am I, even though I wish I didn’t have to admit that. I’m tired of hiding, of worrying, and worst of all, of remembering again and again the day the soldiers came for Father. Remembering how I’ve failed him. “You shouldn’t be reading out there,” Mother tells me, peering through the screen after latching the door behind me. I take a deep breath and push my glasses back. It’s now or never. “No harm in reading the government newspaper. There’s a notice—” But she’s not listening. “We’ll talk about that later, Chiko. How could you take one of your father’s books outside? Do you want to end up in prison, too?” Excerpt © 2010 Mitali Perkins
Teachers wanted. Applicants must take examination in person. Salaries start at—
“Chiko, come inside!” Mother calls through the screen door, her voice low and urgent.
On the road behind our house, horns toot, sirens blare, and bicycle rickshaws crowd the streets. A high cement wall and a barrier of bamboo muffle the noise, making our garden seem as private as a monastery. But it isn’t. I could be spotted from the houses nearby, and spies are everywhere. They would betray even an old neighbor for extra ration cards.
I scan the rest of the announcement quickly, my heart racing.
“Chiko! Now! ” Mother startles the flock of green parakeets perched on the birdbath, and they fly away.
I fold the newspaper around A Tale of Two Cities and head for the house. I want to tell Mother about the call for teachers in the paper, but it seems like she’s getting more anxious by the day. So am I, even though I wish I didn’t have to admit that. I’m tired of hiding, of worrying, and worst of all, of remembering again and again the day the soldiers came for Father. Remembering how I’ve failed him.
“You shouldn’t be reading out there,” Mother tells me, peering through the screen after latching the door behind me.
I take a deep breath and push my glasses back. It’s now or never. “No harm in reading the government newspaper. There’s a notice—”
But she’s not listening. “We’ll talk about that later, Chiko. How could you take one of your father’s books outside? Do you want to end up in prison, too?”
Excerpt © 2010 Mitali Perkins
Chiko isn’t a fighter by nature. He’s a book-loving Burmese boy whose father, a doctor, is in prison for resisting the government. Tu Reh, on the other hand, wants to fight for freedom after watching Burmese soldiers destroy his Karenni family’s home and bamboo fields. Timidity becomes courage and anger becomes compassion as each boy is changed by unlikely friendships formed under extreme circumstances. Narrated by two fifteen-year-old boys, Bamboo People is a coming-of-age novel set against the political and military backdrop of modern-day Burma. ( http://bamboopeople.org )
What people are saying:
“With authenticity, insight, and compassion, Perkins delivers another culturally rich coming-of-age novel.”—★ School Library Journal Starred Review
“A graceful exploration of the redemptive power of love, family, and friendship.”—★ Publishers Weekly Starred Review
Released: July 2010 from Charlesbridge
About the author:
Mitali Perkins was born in India and immigrated to the States with her parents and two sisters when she was seven. Bengali-style, their names rhyme: Sonali means “gold,” Rupali means “silver,” and “Mitali” means “friendly.” Mitali had to live up to her name because her family moved so much — she’s lived in India, Ghana, Cameroon, England, New York, Mexico, California, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Massachusetts. Now she’s settled in Newton, a town just outside of Boston, where she writes books for young readers and visits schools and libraries to talk about the life-changing power of stories.
Win a signed copy:
Mitali has been kind enough to contribute a signed copy of Bamboo People for a giveaway!
To enter simply leave a comment on this post.
For extra entries:
-Be a follower of this site (just click “Join this site”) or a follower on Twitter [+1 entry each].
-Link to this contest on Twitter, Facebook, etc. [+1 entry per each link].
Please list your extra entries in the comments.
The contest is open in the US and Canada and ends on January 3rd at midnight EST.
Good luck!
Tags: Burma , Contest , Realistic , War , Young Adult
Laura Pauling says: December 21, 2010 at 1:16 pm Wow! What a terrific first page. Filled with emotion, great details and conflict. Super. I’m a twitter and blog follower!
Wow! What a terrific first page. Filled with emotion, great details and conflict. Super. I’m a twitter and blog follower!
Mike Jung says: December 21, 2010 at 1:26 pm I’ve been wanting to read this one! Also, Mitali’s clearly one of the most engaged citizens of the kidlit world, so she deserves respect on multiple levels.
I’ve been wanting to read this one! Also, Mitali’s clearly one of the most engaged citizens of the kidlit world, so she deserves respect on multiple levels.
Helene Boudreau says: December 21, 2010 at 1:30 pm Shared this on twitter. I keep meaning to get this book; it sounds fantastic. 🙂
Shared this on twitter. I keep meaning to get this book; it sounds fantastic. 🙂
Christine Sarmel says: December 21, 2010 at 2:35 pm I would love to read this book. just reading the description makes me want to learn more about Burma. And what a great compliment for a book – makes you want to learn more about your world.
I would love to read this book. just reading the description makes me want to learn more about Burma. And what a great compliment for a book – makes you want to learn more about your world.
sharon says: December 21, 2010 at 2:52 pm this book has been on my radar, now I am really wanting to read it…sounds great
this book has been on my radar, now I am really wanting to read it…sounds great
sharon says: December 21, 2010 at 2:53 pm new follower of this site now
new follower of this site now
Deb Marshall says: December 21, 2010 at 2:55 pm You know it’s good when you keep scrolling down for more–thanks for the opportunity to win a signed copy! I follow the blog, the tweets! Thanks again, Deb
You know it’s good when you keep scrolling down for more–thanks for the opportunity to win a signed copy! I follow the blog, the tweets!
Thanks again,
Deb
Casey G. says: December 21, 2010 at 2:58 pm I’ve been needing to pick up this book. Sign me up! I will retweet and follow you too. Excellent giveaway!
I’ve been needing to pick up this book. Sign me up! I will retweet and follow you too. Excellent giveaway!
Tara says: December 21, 2010 at 8:25 pm This book sounds awesome! Thanks for the chance to win A copy.
This book sounds awesome! Thanks for the chance to win A copy.
Genna says: December 22, 2010 at 2:43 pm Wow! Drew me right in with the first page. I’d love to read this! Thanks for the chance to win the book. I followed your blog, your twitter, and tweeted about the giveaway myself! Good luck to everyone!
Wow! Drew me right in with the first page. I’d love to read this!
Thanks for the chance to win the book. I followed your blog, your twitter, and tweeted about the giveaway myself!
Good luck to everyone!
Mary Beth MacLeay says: December 23, 2010 at 12:50 am I had been looking for a fiction book about Burma since our elementary school had several refugee families that are from Burma, some Burmese and some Karen. The book was a HUGE help in understanding their lives. Thank you!
I had been looking for a fiction book about Burma since our elementary school had several refugee families that are from Burma, some Burmese and some Karen. The book was a HUGE help in understanding their lives. Thank you!
52faces says: December 25, 2010 at 2:39 am Yay Asians represent! 1 +2 extra (follower here and on twitter)
Yay Asians represent!
1 +2 extra (follower here and on twitter)
Hannah says: December 26, 2010 at 3:51 am Great start to what looks like a great book!
Great start to what looks like a great book!
MaryWitzl says: December 29, 2010 at 2:59 pm Your book sounds so unique, and like something my kids and I would definitely like to read. I’ll tweet about this as well.(I’m U.K.-based, but have family in the States. Not that I have any hope of winning!)
Your book sounds so unique, and like something my kids and I would definitely like to read. I’ll tweet about this as well.(I’m U.K.-based, but have family in the States. Not that I have any hope of winning!)
Sheela Chari says: December 29, 2010 at 3:09 pm I would love to win a copy of this one! I’ve been wanting to read Bamboo People for a while.
I would love to win a copy of this one! I’ve been wanting to read Bamboo People for a while.
Beth Friese says: December 29, 2010 at 3:27 pm Excellent! Can’t wait to read it
Excellent! Can’t wait to read it
Jennifer says: December 29, 2010 at 3:54 pm Great 1st page! I would love to read the rest. I think this could be a very interesting read aloud for my class. Just marked it as a TBR on Goodreads. I follow you on Twitter! Thanks for the opportunity.
Great 1st page! I would love to read the rest. I think this could be a very interesting read aloud for my class. Just marked it as a TBR on Goodreads. I follow you on Twitter!
Thanks for the opportunity.
Lisa H says: December 29, 2010 at 4:35 pm Great site! Following on twitter and RT’d link to contest on twitter, too.
Great site! Following on twitter and RT’d link to contest on twitter, too.
Kathleen A. says: December 29, 2010 at 6:41 pm Borrowed Bamboo People from the library and couldn’t put it down. Would love to own my own copy of it.
Borrowed Bamboo People from the library and couldn’t put it down. Would love to own my own copy of it.
Jodi says: January 3, 2011 at 2:12 pm This has been on my wishist. Great giveaway.
This has been on my wishist. Great giveaway.
Shana Norris says: January 3, 2011 at 2:13 pm This book sounds wonderful! I’m definitely adding it to my to-read list.
This book sounds wonderful! I’m definitely adding it to my to-read list.
Alexandra says: January 3, 2011 at 8:44 pm Bamboo People is on my reading list!
Bamboo People is on my reading list!
Debbie G says: January 4, 2011 at 6:14 pm This book sounds like a wonderful selection for my kids. Since all I have time for is kids’ books. I love to tweet about kids books daily. I’ve had several lists of good kids’ books (personally read and recommended by me) and I love including new books, especially ones for this age group. Going to follow you on Twitter now, too.
This book sounds like a wonderful selection for my kids. Since all I have time for is kids’ books. I love to tweet about kids books daily.
I’ve had several lists of good kids’ books (personally read and recommended by me) and I love including new books, especially ones for this age group.
Going to follow you on Twitter now, too.
Heather Z. says: January 6, 2011 at 6:02 am LOVE Bamboo People! Signed copy = pure geekdom. 🙂
LOVE Bamboo People! Signed copy = pure geekdom. 🙂
Subscribe to posts by email:
Delivered by FeedBurner
Featured Authors J. Anderson Coats Andrea Alban Crystal Allen Sarah Aronson Monica S. Baker Hannah Barnaby Rebecca Barnhouse Hilari Bell Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman Julie Berry Lauren Bjorkman Jan Blazanin Ellen Booraem Hélène Boudreau Julie Bowe Robin Bridges Leslie Bulion Marissa Burt Erin Cashman Lara Chapman Sheela Chari Julie Chibbaro Lena Coakley Kristi Cook Kate Coombs Leah Cypess Carole Estby Dagg Karen DelleCava Amy Fellner Dominy Marissa Doyle Deva Fagan Beth Fehlbaum Greg R. Fishbone Janet Fox Sonia Gensler Cole Gibsen Hilary Weisman Graham Tessa Gratton Alissa Grosso Lia Habel Teri Hall Kiki Hamilton Janice Hardy Kim Harrington Merrie Haskell Danette Haworth Cat Hellisen Karyn Henley Leanna Renee Hieber Tess Hilmo Amy Holder Elissa J. Hoole Jennifer Hubbard Kirsten Hubbard Denise Jaden Terry Lynn Johnson Mike Jung Julie Kagawa Julia Karr Stasia Ward Kehoe Lynne Kelly Miranda Kenneally Derek Taylor Kent Kami Kinard Jessi Kirby Jo Knowles Ron Koertge R.L. LaFevers Helen Landalf April Lindner Nikki Loftin Natasha Lowe Susan Lubner Elisa Ludwig Jenny Lundquist Michaela MacColl Christina Mandelski Jessica Martinez Shari Maurer C. Lee McKenzie Gretchen McNeil Kate Messner Dawn Metcalf Erin Moulton Erin E. Moulton Kate Kae Myers Anne Nesbet Jennifer Nielsen Kristin Wolden Nitz A.J. Paquette Rosanne Parry Mitali Perkins Gae Polisner Cindy Pon J.L. Powers Joy Preble Cheryl Rainfield Michelle Ray Jenn Reese Diana Renn Bettina Restrepo Laurisa White Reyes Nelsa Roberto Joanne Rocklin Lisa and Laura Roecker Caroline Starr Rose Randy Russell Jeanne Ryan Chris Rylander Kimberly Sabatini Peter Adam Salomon Jeff Sampson Tiffany Schmidt Lisa Schroeder Victoria Schwab Mindi Scott Ruta Sepetys Medeia Sharif Kristen Simmons Angie Smibert Clete Barrett Smith J.A. Souders Jessica Spotswood Anna Staniszewski Kiera Stewart Lauren Strasnick Sarvenaz Tash Sarah Tregay Audrey Vernick Danette Vigilante Sara Bennett Wealer Dianna Winget Jennifer Shaw Wolf Allan Woodrow Brian Yansky Lara Zeises Jennifer Ziegler part: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] [ 9 ] [ 10 ] [ 11 ] [ 12 ] [ 13 ] [ 14 ] [ 15 ] [ 16 ] [ 17 ] [ 18 ] [ 19 ] [ 20 ] [ 21 ] [ 22 ] [ 23 ] [ 24 ] [ 25 ] [ 26 ] [ 27 ] [ 28 ] [ 29 ] [ 30 ] [ 31 ] [ 32 ] [ 33 ] [ 34 ] [ 35 ] [ 36 ] [ 37 ] [ 38 ] [ 39 ] [ 40 ] [ 41 ] [ 42 ] [ 43 ] [ 44 ] [ 45 ] [ 46 ]
J. Anderson Coats Andrea Alban Crystal Allen Sarah Aronson Monica S. Baker Hannah Barnaby Rebecca Barnhouse Hilari Bell Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman Julie Berry Lauren Bjorkman Jan Blazanin Ellen Booraem Hélène Boudreau Julie Bowe Robin Bridges Leslie Bulion Marissa Burt Erin Cashman Lara Chapman Sheela Chari Julie Chibbaro Lena Coakley Kristi Cook Kate Coombs Leah Cypess Carole Estby Dagg Karen DelleCava Amy Fellner Dominy Marissa Doyle Deva Fagan Beth Fehlbaum Greg R. Fishbone Janet Fox Sonia Gensler Cole Gibsen Hilary Weisman Graham Tessa Gratton Alissa Grosso Lia Habel Teri Hall Kiki Hamilton Janice Hardy Kim Harrington Merrie Haskell Danette Haworth Cat Hellisen Karyn Henley Leanna Renee Hieber Tess Hilmo Amy Holder Elissa J. Hoole Jennifer Hubbard Kirsten Hubbard Denise Jaden Terry Lynn Johnson Mike Jung Julie Kagawa Julia Karr Stasia Ward Kehoe Lynne Kelly Miranda Kenneally Derek Taylor Kent Kami Kinard Jessi Kirby Jo Knowles Ron Koertge R.L. LaFevers Helen Landalf April Lindner Nikki Loftin Natasha Lowe Susan Lubner Elisa Ludwig Jenny Lundquist Michaela MacColl Christina Mandelski Jessica Martinez Shari Maurer C. Lee McKenzie Gretchen McNeil Kate Messner Dawn Metcalf Erin Moulton Erin E. Moulton Kate Kae Myers Anne Nesbet Jennifer Nielsen Kristin Wolden Nitz A.J. Paquette Rosanne Parry Mitali Perkins Gae Polisner Cindy Pon J.L. Powers Joy Preble Cheryl Rainfield Michelle Ray Jenn Reese Diana Renn Bettina Restrepo Laurisa White Reyes Nelsa Roberto Joanne Rocklin Lisa and Laura Roecker Caroline Starr Rose Randy Russell Jeanne Ryan Chris Rylander Kimberly Sabatini Peter Adam Salomon Jeff Sampson Tiffany Schmidt Lisa Schroeder Victoria Schwab Mindi Scott Ruta Sepetys Medeia Sharif Kristen Simmons Angie Smibert Clete Barrett Smith J.A. Souders Jessica Spotswood Anna Staniszewski Kiera Stewart Lauren Strasnick Sarvenaz Tash Sarah Tregay Audrey Vernick Danette Vigilante Sara Bennett Wealer Dianna Winget Jennifer Shaw Wolf Allan Woodrow Brian Yansky Lara Zeises Jennifer Ziegler part: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] [ 9 ] [ 10 ] [ 11 ] [ 12 ] [ 13 ] [ 14 ] [ 15 ] [ 16 ] [ 17 ] [ 18 ] [ 19 ] [ 20 ] [ 21 ] [ 22 ] [ 23 ] [ 24 ] [ 25 ] [ 26 ] [ 27 ] [ 28 ] [ 29 ] [ 30 ] [ 31 ] [ 32 ] [ 33 ] [ 34 ] [ 35 ] [ 36 ] [ 37 ] [ 38 ] [ 39 ] [ 40 ] [ 41 ] [ 42 ] [ 43 ] [ 44 ] [ 45 ] [ 46 ]
J. Anderson Coats
Andrea Alban
Crystal Allen
Sarah Aronson
Monica S. Baker
Hannah Barnaby
Rebecca Barnhouse
Hilari Bell
Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman
Julie Berry
Lauren Bjorkman
Jan Blazanin
Ellen Booraem
Hélène Boudreau
Julie Bowe
Robin Bridges
Leslie Bulion
Marissa Burt
Erin Cashman
Lara Chapman
Sheela Chari
Julie Chibbaro
Lena Coakley
Kristi Cook
Kate Coombs
Leah Cypess
Carole Estby Dagg
Karen DelleCava
Amy Fellner Dominy
Marissa Doyle
Deva Fagan
Beth Fehlbaum
Greg R. Fishbone
Janet Fox
Sonia Gensler
Cole Gibsen
Hilary Weisman Graham
Tessa Gratton
Alissa Grosso
Lia Habel
Teri Hall
Kiki Hamilton
Janice Hardy
Kim Harrington
Merrie Haskell
Danette Haworth
Cat Hellisen
Karyn Henley
Leanna Renee Hieber
Tess Hilmo
Amy Holder
Elissa J. Hoole
Jennifer Hubbard
Kirsten Hubbard
Denise Jaden
Terry Lynn Johnson
Mike Jung
Julie Kagawa
Julia Karr
Stasia Ward Kehoe
Lynne Kelly
Miranda Kenneally
Derek Taylor Kent
Kami Kinard
Jessi Kirby
Jo Knowles
Ron Koertge
R.L. LaFevers
Helen Landalf
April Lindner
Nikki Loftin
Natasha Lowe
Susan Lubner
Elisa Ludwig
Jenny Lundquist
Michaela MacColl
Christina Mandelski
Jessica Martinez
Shari Maurer
C. Lee McKenzie
Gretchen McNeil
Kate Messner
Dawn Metcalf
Erin Moulton
Erin E. Moulton
Kate Kae Myers
Anne Nesbet
Jennifer Nielsen
Kristin Wolden Nitz
A.J. Paquette
Rosanne Parry
Mitali Perkins
Gae Polisner
Cindy Pon
J.L. Powers
Joy Preble
Cheryl Rainfield
Michelle Ray
Jenn Reese
Diana Renn
Bettina Restrepo
Laurisa White Reyes
Nelsa Roberto
Joanne Rocklin
Lisa and Laura Roecker
Caroline Starr Rose
Randy Russell
Jeanne Ryan
Chris Rylander
Kimberly Sabatini
Peter Adam Salomon
Jeff Sampson
Tiffany Schmidt
Lisa Schroeder
Victoria Schwab
Mindi Scott
Ruta Sepetys
Medeia Sharif
Kristen Simmons
Angie Smibert
Clete Barrett Smith
J.A. Souders
Jessica Spotswood
Anna Staniszewski
Kiera Stewart
Lauren Strasnick
Sarvenaz Tash
Sarah Tregay
Audrey Vernick
Danette Vigilante
Sara Bennett Wealer
Dianna Winget
Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Allan Woodrow
Brian Yansky
Lara Zeises
Jennifer Ziegler
part: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] [ 9 ] [ 10 ] [ 11 ] [ 12 ] [ 13 ] [ 14 ] [ 15 ] [ 16 ] [ 17 ] [ 18 ] [ 19 ] [ 20 ] [ 21 ] [ 22 ] [ 23 ] [ 24 ] [ 25 ] [ 26 ] [ 27 ] [ 28 ] [ 29 ] [ 30 ] [ 31 ] [ 32 ] [ 33 ] [ 34 ] [ 35 ] [ 36 ] [ 37 ] [ 38 ] [ 39 ] [ 40 ] [ 41 ] [ 42 ] [ 43 ] [ 44 ] [ 45 ] [ 46 ]
Adapted from Wordpress Theme: Connections Reloaded by Ajay D'Souza . Header image designed by Sheryl DePaolo .