Just before the United States enters the Vietnam War, 11-year-old Bé and her loyal three-legged kitten, Mèo, must learn to navigate the treacherous waters of conflict and adversity.
Bé has not spoken since her mother left, but she remains hopeful they may be reunited some day. Her oppressive stepmother, Big Mother, treats her like a servant and her father is helpless to step in after suffering from a stroke. However, she finds solace in the companionship of Mèo, her steadfast feline friend.
Soon, Bé’s fragile world shatters when she is unjustly accused by Big Mother of stealing and is forcibly taken from her home to a nightmarish underground prison alongside other captive girls. Amidst the darkness, Bé forms an unspoken bond with Ngân, and Mèo becomes a source of comfort for the imprisoned souls.
As violence erupts and freedom beckons, Bé, Mèo, and Ngân embark on a journey through the chaos of war, holding on to the hope of finding sanctuary and belonging in a fractured world. A poignant tale of resilience and kinship amidst the ravages of conflict, this story is a testament to the enduring power of love and compassion.
This book is part of the Worlds of Words Global Reading List for 2023/24.
- ISBN: 9781643796253
- Author: Doan Phuong Nguyen
- Illustrator: Jesse White
- Published: 2023 , Lee & Low Books
- Themes: Animals, Friendship, imprisonment, mutism, Stepmother, Survival, War and conflict
- Descriptors: Historical Fiction, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Vietnam
- No. of pages: 320