The Cricket War

Debut author Phạm and McTavish (Life Skills, for adults) weave a vividly wrought story of hope, loss, and inner strength in this semiautobiographical recounting of Phạm’s experience fleeing Vietnam. In 1980, 11-year-old Thọ lives in Communist Hô' Chí Minh City with his family and spends his days enjoying cricket racing with his best friend Lâm. Then, Lâm leaves without warning or a goodbye, like many others have, to escape the war draft. Suddenly, Thọ’s older brother Vũ disappears, too. A year later, Thọ is floored to learn that his father has arranged for Thọ to leave as well, on a boat to America, where he will live with his uncle. But the boat on which he escapes is repeatedly ransacked by pirates. When one pirate crew offers the children on the boat sweets, Thọ decides to stow away on their ship (“any pirates who give out treats must have kind hearts. These are the right pirates”). While the protagonist’s journey is plagued by trauma and upheaval, and the authors detail Phạm’s and other Vietnamese refugees’ experiences to tear-jerking effect, the creators also offer comfort via joyful interactions throughout this carefully crafted, fast-paced read. Ages 9–12. (Oct.)