Three Years and Eight Months by Icy Smith - ADVISABLE

Smith, Icy  Three Years and Eight Months,  illustrated by Jennifer Kindert, 44p. PICTURE BOOK.  East West Discovery Press, 2013.   $20.95. Content: G.  

Choi is an ordinary school boy living an ordinary life when the Japanese invade Hong Kong during World War II.  After his mother is taken to work as a slave, Choi and his Uncle hide in the mountains, where Choi meets Taylor, who is half-Chinese, Half-American.  The boys are befriended by a Japanese soldier, who teaches them enough Japanese that they can work as slave boys in the Japanese headquarters.  There they manage to help the resistance and survive until the end of the war.  

Smith has based her book on her father’s survival during WWII.  THere is enough detail that it could almost be counted as non-fiction.  It certainly paints a vivid picture of life in Hong Kong during the occupation, without adding unnecessary heroics.  Kindert’s drawing work well with the narration. 

EL, MS - ADVISABLE.

Cindy - Library Teacher