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graciegrace1178's review against another edition
4.0
Well. That was a bit intense, I’d say. This is a KIDS’ BOOK?
PT: RATW: Tibet*, children’s books (???), ice/mountains/COLD, human journeys, cultural heritage stories
WIL
1) this is exactly what I’m looking for with RAtW books. It covers a human story over geographic terrain in the context of some great conflict. THIS is the formula I’ve been seeking.
2) EVEEEEEEEEEEEE. My heart. Oh Eve, Eve, Eve. What a gentle soul. What a wonderful companion. A savior and an angel in the body of a large yak. A blessing. (Appa vibes?)
3) Vive la resistance. OH YEAH. HECK YEA. A resistance plot!!! FANTASTIC. the underdogs are the protags. *chef’s kiss* fantastico.
4) the Dalai Lama. Happy presence. Good vibes. A figure to worship in times of distress. But also just a fallible person. Just an all around fascinating character that seems pretty well represented here.
5) POV and author choices. This was a wonderfully character-centric account of the troubles faced by Tibetan citizens. Very much in the same vein as A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park! This could’ve been written in any number of different structures/formats, but Butterworth was right to stick with the single perspective/single narrative/primary protag group. Solid decision.
6) the folk song and cultural pride. I will always love when families share folk songs and talk about what their heritage means to them. It’s so wholesome.
WIDL
1) can these kids PLEASE catch a break. It took me longer to read this than expected because it was just. So. Heavy. I mean, it is a book about suppression of people and like,,, military presence and kids traveling alone across mountains to find safety so I probably should’ve *expected* it to be heavy. But I didn’t. And I was *walloped* by it. I had to keep taking breaks to remind myself that the kids will probably be fine. I’ve read some heavy stuff, but this one really weighed on me. I just wish it had been broken up with some lighthearted moments.
2) epithets. This is more generally commentary for kids books. Characters in kids books are more entertaining when they’re character-y, which is to say, when they’re assigned an archetype. This characters were a little more nuanced and human. This is definitely a strong point for most literature, and it speaks to Butterworth’s abilities, but for kids, it’s a little less fun. Would’ve really enjoyed seeing more firm boundary lines on characters here. It def would’ve helped break up some of the complications of the human/political complications as well. Knowing that characters have a reliable set of traits is a security blanket for the otherwise free fall experience of kid-oriented accounts of turmoil.
NEUTRAL GROUND
1) I’ve been fascinated by Tibet for as long as I can remember. Loved finally reading about it! (Seven Years in Tibet has been staring at me from its spot on my shelf for way too long now.)
*yea yea I know it’s not a country. I don’t care. I’m including it as an extra region and treating it as a separate entity for this project. I love Tibet too much to skip over it as a region.
PT: RATW: Tibet*, children’s books (???), ice/mountains/COLD, human journeys, cultural heritage stories
WIL
1) this is exactly what I’m looking for with RAtW books. It covers a human story over geographic terrain in the context of some great conflict. THIS is the formula I’ve been seeking.
2) EVEEEEEEEEEEEE. My heart. Oh Eve, Eve, Eve. What a gentle soul. What a wonderful companion. A savior and an angel in the body of a large yak. A blessing. (Appa vibes?)
3) Vive la resistance. OH YEAH. HECK YEA. A resistance plot!!! FANTASTIC. the underdogs are the protags. *chef’s kiss* fantastico.
4) the Dalai Lama. Happy presence. Good vibes. A figure to worship in times of distress. But also just a fallible person. Just an all around fascinating character that seems pretty well represented here.
5) POV and author choices. This was a wonderfully character-centric account of the troubles faced by Tibetan citizens. Very much in the same vein as A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park! This could’ve been written in any number of different structures/formats, but Butterworth was right to stick with the single perspective/single narrative/primary protag group. Solid decision.
6) the folk song and cultural pride. I will always love when families share folk songs and talk about what their heritage means to them. It’s so wholesome.
WIDL
1) can these kids PLEASE catch a break. It took me longer to read this than expected because it was just. So. Heavy. I mean, it is a book about suppression of people and like,,, military presence and kids traveling alone across mountains to find safety so I probably should’ve *expected* it to be heavy. But I didn’t. And I was *walloped* by it. I had to keep taking breaks to remind myself that the kids will probably be fine. I’ve read some heavy stuff, but this one really weighed on me. I just wish it had been broken up with some lighthearted moments.
2) epithets. This is more generally commentary for kids books. Characters in kids books are more entertaining when they’re character-y, which is to say, when they’re assigned an archetype. This characters were a little more nuanced and human. This is definitely a strong point for most literature, and it speaks to Butterworth’s abilities, but for kids, it’s a little less fun. Would’ve really enjoyed seeing more firm boundary lines on characters here. It def would’ve helped break up some of the complications of the human/political complications as well. Knowing that characters have a reliable set of traits is a security blanket for the otherwise free fall experience of kid-oriented accounts of turmoil.
NEUTRAL GROUND
1) I’ve been fascinated by Tibet for as long as I can remember. Loved finally reading about it! (Seven Years in Tibet has been staring at me from its spot on my shelf for way too long now.)
*yea yea I know it’s not a country. I don’t care. I’m including it as an extra region and treating it as a separate entity for this project. I love Tibet too much to skip over it as a region.
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.