User:Eculler/Draft of Children of the River

Plot Summary
Children of the River is a book about a young girl who moves from Cambodia to live in America. When Sundara is young she flees from Cambodia with her aunt, Soka, and her uncle, Naro, to escape a communist threat. Her aunt Soka just had a baby. While on the ship to America Sundara is put in charge of the infant. The child gets very sick, and Sundara, eager to save her cousin, asks other mothers for their breast milk to help the child get well. They all seem to say the same thing: "I would, but...Oh, this is all so terrible. I'm not getting enough to drink myself. Soon I'm afraid I won't have milk for my own." . She goes to a helper and asks for some extra milk. He gives her a hard time, but eventually gives her some powdered milk.

Sundara makes it to America. She seems to have trouble understanding American ways. To Sundara's dismay, a teacher reads her poem assignment to the class. It is about her life back in Cambodia and the hard times in America. She works at a small shop that sells fresh products. Here she meets Jonathan, a boy her age, who attends the same school and seems very sweet to Sundara. He complements Sundara many times, saying, "You're good at this." . Soon he befriends her, asking to interview her about her life in Cambodia. Sundara seems shy about her family history; She has trouble opening up to him. Sundara and Jonathan soon fall for each other. Sundara's aunt has trouble accepting her crush. In fact, she forbids her to see Jonathan anymore. Sundara has to sneak away just to see him. Sundara has trouble understanding Jonathan's relationship with Cathy. She finds herself confused about a lot of things, such as girls showering together after gym class. While standing in the shower, she admires Cathy's tan body, longing to have her beautiful tan lines. It is clear that Sundara has feelings for Jonathan, but cannot show him. Later, one night after a football game, her close friend Ravy gets home to tell Sundara that Jonathan was hurt while playing football. Sundara becomes worried and goes to see him. In the hospital, Jonathan explains to Sundara how he dislikes Cathy's attention. He wishes that she had not sent him balloons. "I knew it," he says. "Cathy. I wish she wouldn't do stuff like this."

Sundara is not able to get her mind off of Jonathan. She is also told that Jonathan is quitting the football team, due to Cathy. Cathy is upset and knows something is going on between Jonathan and Sundara. She realizes he likes her. Everything changes when Jonathan's father moves. Jonathan gives Sundara a "goodbye kiss" It seems to get harder to see each other after that.

Characters

 * Jonathan: Sundara's friend. He is very caring towards her. He tells Sundara that he loves her.
 * Naro: Married to Soka, Sundara's aunt. He takes care of Sundara and loves her.
 * Mrs. Cathcart: Sundara's teacher. She reads a poem that Sundara wrote out loud to the class.
 * Jonathan's Parents: Very accepting of Sundara. They are curious about her life back in Cambodia.
 * Cathy: Jonathan's girlfriend. She is very popular and seems to dislike Sundara, but furthermore dislikes Jonathan and Sundara's relationship.

Awards

 * American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults
 * Golden Kite Honor Book from the Society of Children's Book Writers
 * International Reading Association Children's Book Award