The Day My Father Became a Bush

Gr 4–7—Toda lives in an unspecified country in which the northern and southern sections are at war. Her father has left his job as a pastry chef to serve as a soldier. He explains to her that he will "disguise himself as a bush" to hide from the enemy. The child is left with her grandmother until the area becomes too dangerous and she is sent to live with her mother across the border. As Toda undertakes the precarious journey to safety, she encounters people and situations she describes from her innocent, childlike perspective. When she finally arrives beyond the border, she is questioned by a man asking, "How did you get across the border?" "I don't know," answers Toda, "because I didn't see where it was." The contrast between the adults and Toda's innocence adds humor to the story line and points out the absurdity of war and its processes in general. The black-and-white drawings interspersed throughout further emphasize the droll humor. This would be a useful supplement to foster understanding of the refugee experience. It also makes a simple yet strong statement advocating peace and could precipitate discussions on many relevant issues in today's world. Suggest this one to readers who have shown interest in John Boyne's The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (Random, 2006).—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH