21 Feb Review: The Cricket War
The Cricket War
by Thọ Phạm and Sandra McTavish
Kids Can Press, 2023
ISBN: 9781525306556 (hardcover)
ISBN: 9781525312052 (eBook)
$21.99 CAD (hardcover)
$16.99 CAD (eBook)
160 pages
Ages: Middle grade
Review by Mell
Thọ was like any other boy; he played soccer, fought crickets, and went to school, when one day, he was forced to leave boyhood behind. The Cricket War is a story loosely based on the author’s own lived experience escaping Vietnam by boat. Like many other boys, he was escaping conscription into the communist army. Thọ’s resilience to overcome many obstacles, like pirates, starvation, and a longing to be reunited with his family is ultimately what kept him moving forward into the unknown. The authors did an excellent job of writing in an engaging manner. The pace was quick and filled with vivid descriptions. It is recommended for elementary school libraries (for cycle 3), high school libraries, public school libraries, and for children over the age of 11 who are curious and enjoy historical narratives.