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The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree - by Lucille Abendanon (Paperback)
About this item
Highlights
- Batavia, Dutch East Indies, 1942.
- 320 Pages
- Juvenile Fiction, Historical
Description
About the Book
After sabotaging her only chance to evacuate before the Japanese army invades Batavia in 1942, eleven-year-old Emmy is confined in the Tjideng prisoner-of-war camp, where she must overcome a tragedy from her past to find her voice and truly be free.Book Synopsis
Batavia, Dutch East Indies, 1942. Emmy has the voice of an angel but hasn't sung a note since a family tragedy. With war looming, her father plans to ship her off to a singing school in England for safety. But all Emmy wants to do is stay in Batavia with her best friend, Bakti, even if it means putting up with her snooty classmate, Violet. Then the Japanese army invades--and as war erupts in the Dutch East Indies, Emmy's world falls apart. When her own actions sabotage her chance to evacuate the island, Emmy is captured and confined in the Tjideng prisoner-of-war camp with other women and children. Separated from her family and friends, and silenced by her grief, Emmy will need all her strength to survive the war, find her voice, and reclaim her freedom.Review Quotes
"This book is beautifully written and is a perfect addition to any middle grade classroom or library. . . . The horrors of the prison camp are told in authentic voice and are appropriate for middle grade readers. With so many WWII stories, having the perspective of Batavia, or current day Indonesia, is an important perspective." --Children's Literature
"Abendanon presents the nuances of colonialism through the eyes of a child initially unaware of her privilege until it is taken away. Through Javanese secondary characters, readers see the growing resistance to colonial occupation, whether by the Netherlands or Japan. Within the camp, Emmy emerges as a strong presence as she takes on leadership roles, confronts the guilt she feels for the accident that led to her mother's death, and rediscovers her joy in singing. Readers will cheer for her during her journey to herself in the worst of times." --Historical Novel Society
"Abendanon brings a whole new perspective for readers who clamor for WWII stories, such as Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's The War That Saved My Life . . . . An absolute must-have in all middle grade collections." --School Library Journal (starred review)
"Abendanon has written a searing story of captivity, based loosely on her own grandmother's life, that is notable for its verisimilitude and vivid setting. It brings history to life." --Booklist (starred review)
"Steady pacing and well-developed characters with credible flaws round out this harrowing, high-stakes tale, based on Abendanon's grandmother's experiences." --Publishers Weekly
"[E]ngaging narrative that broadens readers' understanding of the geographic reach of World War II." --Kirkus Reviews