From the Governor General’s Award-nominated author of Musicfor Tigers and Girl of the Southern Sea, a passionate story aboutenvironmental activism, difficult choices, and the cost of doing the rightthing.
An honest and stirring novel about the choices made byyoung environmental activists, and the balancing act between consequence andtriumph.
Malia has had a privileged upbringing in Indonesia, butsince her Indonesian father died, her Canadian mother wants to return to herown family on the other side of the world. Malia is determined to stay.Indonesia is her home, and she loves it. Besides, if she leaves, how can shecontinue to fight for her country’s precious rainforests?
Ari knows he is lucky to be going to school and competing onthe chess team, even if it means an endless round of chores at his uncle’srestaurant. Back in his home village, he and his cousin Suni dreamed aboutgetting a chance like this. But now he is here without her, and the guilt iscrushing him. As if that weren’t enough, he’s horribly worried about GingerJuice, his uncle’s orangutan. The too-small cage where she lives is clearlyhurting her body and her mind, but where else can she go? The rainforest whereshe was born is a palm oil plantation now.
In Berani, Governor General’s Award finalist MichelleKadarusman spins together three perspectives: Malia, who is prepared to riskanything for her activism, Ari, who knows the right path but fears what it willcost, and Ginger Juice, the caged orangutan who still remembers the forest andher mother. The choices the young people make will have consequences forthemselves, for Ginger Juice, and for others, if they are brave enough—orreckless enough—to choose.
Map. Glossary. Information about orangutans and environmental Issues. Author’s note.
Topics Middle schools. Indonesia. Environmentalists. Chess. Orangutans. Animal rescue. Friendship. School. Moving households. Rain forests. Nature and the natural world.
Lexile 760L
Trim Size 8" x 5 1/2"
JLG Span Winter
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2022-10-03
JLG Release Date Dec 2022
Minimum grade 5
Maximum grade 8
Reading level Middle
Format Print
PG Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
PG Middle Plus
PG Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
For Grades 5-8
For middle school readers who enjoy fascinating stories but want less edgy content, PGM is the perfect choice. Be assured that the 14 books offered in this category will be inoffensive to readers, teachers and parents.