Book Review: Crossing the Farak River

Crossing the Farak River

by Michelle Aung Thin

Annick Press Ltd.

Annick Press

Children’s Fiction

Pub Date 07 Apr 2020

I am reviewing a copy of Crossing the Farak River through Annick Press and Netgalley:

For Hasina and her little brother Araf, the constant threat of the Sit Tat, the Myanmar Army, it had in fact become a way of life in the Rakhine province. Just the mention of the Sit Tat sends chills down their spines. They know that the only thing to do when the sound of the helicopters, they run and not stop. When soldiers invade their village one night, and Hasina awakes to her aunt’s fearful voice, followed by smoke, and then a scream, they do as they always do and run.

Hasina races deep into the Rakhine to hide with her cousin and Araf, when they emerge days later it is to a smoldering village, their house is still standing but their family is gone. Where could they be, have the soldiers taken them?

I found Crossing the Farak River five out of five stars, this would be a good teaching tool for middle grade to junior high school students, teaching of culture, and the effects of war!

Happy Reading!