When Vithy is separated from his brother Mang while trying to cross the Cambodian border into Thailand, he doesn't know how to continue. Mang had always been there to take care of Vithy, even to orchestrating their escape from the Big Paddy where they had been held captive for months. Now, faced with a treacherous journey and danger at every turn, Vithy longs for Mang's guidance. As he makes his way towards the border, Vithy gradually discovers that he too is capable of making wise decisions. Set in post-Vietnam War Cambodia, the story of Vithy's plight and growing self-reliance is both suspenseful and credible. (Age 11 and older)

Fleeing from the Khmer Rouge soldiers, Vithy becomes separated from his older brother, Mang, as they escape from Cambodia into Thailand. . . . As Vithy makes the dangerous journey, he comes to rely on his own wits and instincts. Historical novel, adventure, and character study, this book takes readers to another place and time.--Booklist. American Bookseller Pick of the Lists; NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies; Bank Street Child Study Children's Book Assn. Children's Book of the Year.