Books with author Cynthia Kadohata

Tin is known throughout his Vietnam village as being brave, possessing the calm and courage needed to expertly train wild elephants. But when American troops—who Tin’s tribe, the Dega, have been helping—pull out of the Vietnam War and his village is occupied by Viet Cong forces seeking revenge, twelve-year-old Tin watches his life change in a million terrible ways. His bravery is put to a new test: He must choose between staying captive or saving his elephant’s life by fleeing into the dangerous depths of the jungle. At once heartbreaking and full of hope, A Million Shades of Gray brings listeners close to a world few know about—and no one will ever forget.

Tin is known throughout his Vietnam village as being brave, possessing the calm and courage needed to expertly train wild elephants. But when American troops—who Tin’s tribe, the Dega, have been helping—pull out of the Vietnam War and his village is occupied by Viet Cong forces seeking revenge, twelve-year-old Tin watches his life change in a million terrible ways. His bravery is put to a new test: He must choose between staying captive or saving his elephant’s life by fleeing into the dangerous depths of the jungle. At once heartbreaking and full of hope, A Million Shades of Gray brings listeners close to a world few know about—and no one will ever forget.

Newbery Honor winner Cynthia Kadohata creates another unique yet realistic family that explores the ties that bind. Helen Kimura, a sexpot adored by her daughters, collects men and their gifts but is unwilling to settle down because there are always "bigger fish to fry. " When she's critically injured in an accident, her four daughters are separated; each goes to her own father. Sue Jean Kim narrates from second daughter Shelby's viewpoint. Kim makes each sister real. Shelby is the serious, quiet sister who is willing to move heaven and earth to reunite her family. Marilyn is the most like her mother. Lakey is torn between a desire to live with her father and her need for her sisters. Maddy has mastered the little sister skill of wheedling with a well-placed "Pleeaasee?"