Narrated by two teenage boys on opposing sides of the conflict between the Burmese government and the Karenni, one of Burma's many ethnic minorities, this coming-of-age novel takes place against the political and military backdrop of modern-day Burma. 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 when the boys' stories intersect.

 

This book is the winner of numerous awards. It was recognised in the Middle Grade category by the Young Hoosier Book Award. It was recognised in the High School category by the Volunteer State Book Award. It also was recognised in the Middle School category by the Volunteer State Book Award. It was recognised by the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award. Also it was recognised in the YA category by the Indies Choice Book Award.

There are 288 pages in this book. It is a novel. This book was published 2010 by Charlesbridge Publishing, U. S. .

Mitali Perkins was born in Kolkata. Her family soon left India, living in Ghana, Cameroon, England and Mexico before emigrating to the United States. They eventually settled in California. Mitali studied political science at Stanford University and public policy at the University of California, Berkeley. She is married to the Reverend Robert K. Perkins II and has twin sons. She lives in Newton, Massachusetts.