After a storm engulfs his village, a Vietnamese boy has glimmers of a new calling. Every day, Tinh heads out to sea with his father to catch fish for their family and the market. While he sometimes misses flying kites with other children on the beach, Tinh is proud to work alongside Ba. Then a fierce storm strikes, and Ba entrusts Tinh to secure the family vessel, but the boy panics and runs away. It will take courage and faith to salvage the bamboo boat, win back Ba’s confidence, and return to sea. This graceful tale narrates a young Vietnamese boy’s literal and spiritual coming-of-age.

Related: Asia, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Realistic Fiction, Vietnam

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• ISBN: 9780763633806
• Authors: Niem, Thay Phap; Marsden, Carolyn
• Published: 2008, Candlewick
• Themes: Courage, Family, responsibility
• Descriptors: Asia, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Realistic Fiction, Vietnam
• No. of pages: 112