Scan barcode
jackieom4's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Tibet-set children's adventure, a good insight into the regions' troubles
Danger is present in this short novel. Tash's parents are taken away to prison, after producing rebellious leaflets against the Chinese. Adults are setting themselves on fire in protest at the ruling groups, certain words cannot be spoken for fear of being taken away in the night.
Tash and her friend Sam have lived in Tibet all their lives, abut when her parents are taken, they flee, taking two yak, over the Himalayas to India where their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama is living. They hope to receive his help in freeing her mum and dad.
It is an evocative story, as the young people struggle through the cold of the mountains. They manage to meet both friends and enemies, they face danger, their friendship is tested.
It feels a little rushed, with its short length, and a sudden ending that ties things up a little neatly. For the age group, it's a great insight into the country, its situation and the lives of ordinary people living there. It might make a good class read with its very short chapters to encourage discussion of another country.
With some rather upsetting content (nothing too graphic, but there are deaths and violence) this is suitable for ages 9 and above.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
Danger is present in this short novel. Tash's parents are taken away to prison, after producing rebellious leaflets against the Chinese. Adults are setting themselves on fire in protest at the ruling groups, certain words cannot be spoken for fear of being taken away in the night.
Tash and her friend Sam have lived in Tibet all their lives, abut when her parents are taken, they flee, taking two yak, over the Himalayas to India where their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama is living. They hope to receive his help in freeing her mum and dad.
It is an evocative story, as the young people struggle through the cold of the mountains. They manage to meet both friends and enemies, they face danger, their friendship is tested.
It feels a little rushed, with its short length, and a sudden ending that ties things up a little neatly. For the age group, it's a great insight into the country, its situation and the lives of ordinary people living there. It might make a good class read with its very short chapters to encourage discussion of another country.
With some rather upsetting content (nothing too graphic, but there are deaths and violence) this is suitable for ages 9 and above.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
animelanie's review against another edition
3.0
Book recommended by friend
Read in one day - well written book, great story. Good middle grade book.
Read in one day - well written book, great story. Good middle grade book.
in_and_out_of_the_stash's review against another edition
4.0
More a 3 1/2. A subject that many people know nothing about. I thought it was written appropriately for the age group without dumbing down.
misshobbs_y5's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
5.0
ponckumari's review against another edition
2.0
Ok I gave it 3 stars and then made it 2.
This is a good book to introduce kids to the turmoil in Tibet. It is good for middle-grade fiction. However it lacks a lot of details/pathos that could have made it an excellent story.
Tibet is close to my daughter ever since I read her 'The SnowKing's Daughter' by Sowmya Rajendran from Tulika books. We love that book and it made my daughter take an interest in Tibet and go look it up. I wish this book talked more about Tibetan people, their way of life than jumping straight into the conflict.
*SPOILER ALERT*
The book opens with a self immolation scene and I am not sure that is something I want my 10 year old to read about.
This book relies on too many coincidences to resolve the conflict in Tash's life.
The foothills of Himalayas is not a forgiving place for anyone, much less a couple of tweens, so it was pretty frustrating to have all loose ends miraculously tied up neatly at the end.
This is a good book to introduce kids to the turmoil in Tibet. It is good for middle-grade fiction. However it lacks a lot of details/pathos that could have made it an excellent story.
Tibet is close to my daughter ever since I read her 'The SnowKing's Daughter' by Sowmya Rajendran from Tulika books. We love that book and it made my daughter take an interest in Tibet and go look it up. I wish this book talked more about Tibetan people, their way of life than jumping straight into the conflict.
*SPOILER ALERT*
The book opens with a self immolation scene and I am not sure that is something I want my 10 year old to read about.
This book relies on too many coincidences to resolve the conflict in Tash's life.
The foothills of Himalayas is not a forgiving place for anyone, much less a couple of tweens, so it was pretty frustrating to have all loose ends miraculously tied up neatly at the end.
kpjt_books's review against another edition
4.0
Middle grade adventure story set in the Himalayas. Brings up lots of themes of diversity and discussions about the situation facing the people of Tibet. I loved that Jess Butterworth had a lot of detail about the life in this region as it provided great learning opportunities to pass on to students who may not know much about this part of the world or this culture. Well done and greatly enjoyed -looking forward to sharing it with one of my classes as their chosen read aloud this semester.
kelleemoye's review against another edition
5.0
We all have knowledge gaps. I try to learn as much as I can about the world and others unlike me, and this story took me to Tibet and showed me a struggle happening that I was unaware of. While reading and since reading, I have spent hours reading about the history and current affairs of Tibet.
But other than smacking me in the face with this truth and taking place in a setting and from a point of view that is not often shared in middle grade and young adult novels, it also is a page-turning survival adventure. Tash and Sam must face a trek that hundreds of thousands have done, but they are doing it alone with only help from a few yaks and maybe some unexpected allies.
Full review with teaching tools and author information: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=16831
But other than smacking me in the face with this truth and taking place in a setting and from a point of view that is not often shared in middle grade and young adult novels, it also is a page-turning survival adventure. Tash and Sam must face a trek that hundreds of thousands have done, but they are doing it alone with only help from a few yaks and maybe some unexpected allies.
Full review with teaching tools and author information: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=16831
djc16's review against another edition
4.0
This is a fictional story based on a very real issue – that of the ongoing situation for all inhabitants of Tibet. In this story, we see the imagined impact that it has on children.
The central themes of the story ring true throughout the narrative: that of hope and perseverance. Tash, the main character, is determined to reach the other side of the mountains and complete her journey, even if she doesn’t fully understand what is happening in her village and in her country of Tibet.
The setting of the majority of the story, the Himalayas, is another main character here. As daunting as the journey through the mountains and towards the relative safety of northern India is, the setting is still painted as breathtaking and beautiful by debut author Jess Butterworth. It’s unforgiving, yes, and Tash along with her best friend Sam and their yaks have various difficulties to contend with along the way. The landscape is still seen in a reverential way, a way that inspires awe in these young minds.
Despite the serious subject matter at hand, Jess Butterworth writes with a great sense of adventure from the point of view of Tash. She is optimistic in her outlook and even though adult responsibilities fall to her, Tash is a real child at heart with a whimsical and naive quality that endears her to the reader. She is a character of hope and the reader gets the sense throughout, whether right or wrong, that everything will be alright in the end for Tash and Sam.
There is a real sense of danger however with treacherous climbs and potentially dangerous nomads among the obstacles between Tash, Sam and their destination. This is not to mention the overarching threat of being caught by Chinese guards and being sent right back to where they came from.
The attitude and outlook of the Tibetan people is reflected in many of the characters in the book and it’s refreshing to read. Even though these characters endure hardship and persecution, there is always hope and a lot of love. Despite there being a clear “villain” in the shape of Chinese soldiers, there is rarely if ever a feeling of ill-will towards them from Tash or her neighbours.
It’s a great message running through the book and a positive one for any child to read.
A note on the cover design and artwork inside the book. Absolutely stunning and some of the best work I’ve seen this year. Well done to all at Hachette for the effort.
Beautifully written and an accomplished debut.
The central themes of the story ring true throughout the narrative: that of hope and perseverance. Tash, the main character, is determined to reach the other side of the mountains and complete her journey, even if she doesn’t fully understand what is happening in her village and in her country of Tibet.
The setting of the majority of the story, the Himalayas, is another main character here. As daunting as the journey through the mountains and towards the relative safety of northern India is, the setting is still painted as breathtaking and beautiful by debut author Jess Butterworth. It’s unforgiving, yes, and Tash along with her best friend Sam and their yaks have various difficulties to contend with along the way. The landscape is still seen in a reverential way, a way that inspires awe in these young minds.
Despite the serious subject matter at hand, Jess Butterworth writes with a great sense of adventure from the point of view of Tash. She is optimistic in her outlook and even though adult responsibilities fall to her, Tash is a real child at heart with a whimsical and naive quality that endears her to the reader. She is a character of hope and the reader gets the sense throughout, whether right or wrong, that everything will be alright in the end for Tash and Sam.
There is a real sense of danger however with treacherous climbs and potentially dangerous nomads among the obstacles between Tash, Sam and their destination. This is not to mention the overarching threat of being caught by Chinese guards and being sent right back to where they came from.
The attitude and outlook of the Tibetan people is reflected in many of the characters in the book and it’s refreshing to read. Even though these characters endure hardship and persecution, there is always hope and a lot of love. Despite there being a clear “villain” in the shape of Chinese soldiers, there is rarely if ever a feeling of ill-will towards them from Tash or her neighbours.
It’s a great message running through the book and a positive one for any child to read.
A note on the cover design and artwork inside the book. Absolutely stunning and some of the best work I’ve seen this year. Well done to all at Hachette for the effort.
Beautifully written and an accomplished debut.
paisleighwils's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0