Abendanon, Lucille. Songbird and the Rambutan Tree, The. North Star, 01/24. 307pp. Fiction. Trade $14.99. 978-1-63163-820-6. GRADES 5–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Emmy, a white European twelve-year-old, leads a life of privilege in the Dutch West Indies, but that changes during WWII when the Japanese invade and she is sent to Tjideng, a prisoner-of-war camp for women and children. Based on the experiences of the author’s grandmother, the dramatic story approaches a difficult piece of history in a way that respects the age and sensitivity of likely readers. While there are some leaps in credibility, the narrative balances the dire situation in the camp with the bravery and camaraderie of the inmates. Emmy’s stubborn nature, lapses in judgment, and evolving relationships make her a relatable preteen; of particular note is her volatile friendship with a Jakartan boy named Bakti, who views the Japanese invasion as a necessary step towards Indonesian self-rule and independence. Helpful information about the political situation and outcomes of the war in Indonesia are included in the endnotes.
Jenny Andrus—Independent