A Million Shades of Gray

A Million Shades of Gray (2010) by Cynthia Kadohata.

ISBN: 978-1-4169-1883-7

Y'Tin's passion is elephants, prefering to be with his elephant than attend school, much to his mother's dismay. Y'Tin lives with his extended family in Montagnard, Vietnam .

Y'Tin's father, an expert tracker aids the American Special Forces in the Vietnam War. Along on a tracking trip, Y'Tin witnesses the death of his father's friend at the hands of the Viet Cong. When the war ends, the Americans promise to return; Y'Tin holding a fondness for the Americans and their colloquialisms, believes this promise.

In 1975, the threat of attacks from the Viet Cong still concerns the Dega people. Their fear is realized and the village comes under siege, buildings are burned, people are held prisoner and executed. Y'Tin and his friends escape and make their way through the jungle with their elephants. Adding to the challenge of hiding, Y'Tin experiences disagreements with his fellow travellers and makes some heart-wrenching decisions about Lady.

Reflections of Vietnamese religious beliefs and traditions occur in the story, providing a perspective on how the people interact with the world through these powerful influences. Although the story takes place during a time of lots of militant activity, which should provoke suspense, the detail in the telling slows the story. Y'Tin is frank in his views and learns how war has changed his life. The story provides a look at life immediately following the Vietnam War. Informative read for 11 to 13 year olds.

Author's website: Cynthia Kadohata: Kira-Kira

Learn more about the Vietnam War

More books for tweens related to the Vietnamese experience:
All the Broken Pieces by Ann Burg
The Buddha's Diamonds by Carolyn Marsden and Thay Phap Niem