The Clay Marble

For years war has touched the Cambodian village where 12-year-old Dara lives. Bombs have gradually destroyed the huts and temple. Recently, soldiers marched into town and burned all the rice seed. Now with nothing to eat, Dara and her family are walking to the border. They have heard of a refugee camp near Thailand, far away from danger. The camp is even better than Dara expected. She has all the food she wants and makes wonderful new friends. Most of all, she finally feels safe. But when fighting breaks out near the settlement, she becomes separated from her family. Suddenly Dara must find new strength from within to go on. Children's novelist Minfong Ho's experience working in a refugee camp enables her to create life-like characters in authentic settings. Her tale of a young girl's bravery in the face of overwhelming odds is an American Bookseller Pick of the Lists.