64 pages • 2 hours read
Mitali PerkinsBamboo People
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2010A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins follows two boys, Chiko from the Burmese military-occupied Yangon and Tu Reh from a Karenni refugee camp, whose lives intersect during the violent conflict between Burma's military and the Karenni people. Their journey addresses friendship, resilience, and the power of education against propaganda, as they navigate their complex identities and evolving perspectives. The book discusses violence and human rights abuses, including the use of child soldiers, graphic war atrocities, and hate crimes.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Mitali Perkins' Bamboo People is lauded for its rich cultural setting and compelling dual narrative, offering a nuanced perspective on the Burmese conflict. Readers appreciate the well-rounded characters and themes of resilience and empathy. However, some critique the pacing and occasionally predictable plot. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and educational read for young adults.
Who Should Read Bamboo People?
Readers who would enjoy Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins are young adults interested in coming-of-age stories set in diverse cultural backgrounds. Fans of Refugee by Alan Gratz and A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park will appreciate the novel's emphasis on resilience, friendship, and the human impact of political conflict.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
680LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Asian Literature
Military / War
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Class
Relationships: Friendship
Society: Education
Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice