"With authenticity, insight, and compassion, Perkins delivers another culturally rich coming-of-age novel." —★ School Library Journal Starred Review

"A graceful exploration of the redemptive power of love, family, and friendship." —★ Publishers Weekly Starred Review 

"First and foremost, a compelling story." — Boston Globe

"A tender tale of parallel sorrows and dreams." — Sacramento Bee

"Thrilling jungle survival story." — Stanford Magazine
 

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Published by Charlesbridge

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 as each boy is changed by unlikely friendships formed under extreme circumstances.

This coming-of-age novel  takes place against the political and military backdrop of modern-day Burma. Narrated by two fifteen-year-old boys on opposing sides of the conflict between the Burmese government and the Karenni, one of the many ethnic minorities in Burma, Bamboo People explores the nature of violence, power, and prejudice.

Junior Library Guild Selection

Starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal

Bank Street Readaloud For Older Children

ALA APALA Honor Book

Indies Choice Honor Book of the Year for Young Adults

ALA Top Ten Book in Best Fiction for Young Adults

International Reading Association Notable Book for a Global Society

A Book Page Top Ten Book

CCBC Recommended Book

Nominated for the Christian Schools Association's Lamplighter Award

State Awards: 

Nominated for the Massachusetts Book Award, Pennsylvania's Keystone to Reading Book Award, Tennessee's Volunteer State Book Award, Indiana's Young Hoosier Book Award, Maine's Student Book Award, and Illinois' Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award.

Now available in paperback and as an audio book from Audible.com, narrated by actor Jonathan Davis!