The Caged Bird of Phnom Penh*

Book: The Caged Bird of Phnom Penh*
Author: Frederick Lipp
Copyright Date: 2001
Suggested Level:
Genre: Picture and Realistic Fiction
Summary: This story is about a girl in Cambodia living in poverty. She sells flowers to help raise money for her family but keeps a small amount in hopes of one day buying a bird so she can make a wish, for a better life, and set it free. (Symbolism-the bird will carry your dreams)
Reaction: I enjoyed this book because it had a nice message and I came to find out that it is based on a custom (which is why I wrote that it is realistic fiction). A bird lady in Cambodia owns several birds and you can buy one, make a wish, and set it free so your wish can come true-however, the birds are trained to fly back to her.
Uses: Discussions of social issues; homelessness and poverty, as well as dreams/hopes and symbolism.

The Truth about Forever

The Truth about Forever was written by Sarah Dessen; it is a realistic fiction acceptable for grades 7+. It is about a girl named Macy who experiences a terrible loss when her father passes away. Instead of dealing with his death and continuing her life she began to "stop living" in a sense. She became very controlling and turned away from anything that appeared to be a risk . Until she befriended a group of individuals who live life completely opposite from her; taking risks and living for the moment.
This book captured Macy's emotions very strongly. It showed how her father's death affected her view on life and the world. As well as the adverse affects of not dealing/coping with a loss and instead displacing that desire to control outcomes elsewhere. Losing a loved one is always difficult, however losing a parent is one of the most difficult losses a child will ever experience. This book portrays a strong lesson about losses and gains; as well as the importance of friends and family.