Additional information
by Michelle Kadarusman (Author)
An honest and stirring novel about the choices made by young environmental activists, and the balancing act between consequence and triumph
Malia has had a privileged upbringing in Indonesia, but since her Indonesian father died, her Canadian mother wants to return to her own family on the other side of the world. Malia is determined to stay. Indonesia is her home, and she loves it. Besides, if she leaves, how can shecontinue to fight for her country's precious rainforests? Ari knows he is lucky to be going to school and competing on the chess team, even if it means an endless round of chores at his uncle's restaurant. Back in his home village, he and his cousin Suni dreamed about getting a chance like this. But now he is here without her, and the guilt is crushing him. As if that weren't enough, he's horribly worried about Ginger Juice, his uncle's orangutan. The too-small cage where she lives is clearly hurting her body and her mind, but where else can she go? The rainforest where she was born is a palm oil plantation now. In Berani, Governor General's Award finalist Michelle
Kadarusman spins together three perspectives: Malia, who is prepared to risk anything for her activism, Ari, who knows the right path but fears what it will cost, and Ginger Juice, the caged orangutan who still remembers the forest and
her mother. The choices the young people make will have consequences for themselves, for Ginger Juice, and for others, if they are brave enough--or reckless enough--to choose.
Author Biography
Michelle
Kadarusman grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and also lived many years
throughout her father's homeland of Indonesia before moving to Canada in 2000.
Her books have earned numerous nominations, including the Governor General's
Literary Awards, the Ontario Library Association Silver Birch Awards, and the
Green Earth Book Award. Her novels include The Theory of Hummingbirds, Girl
of the Southern Sea, and Music for Tigers. Her first picture book, Room
for More, published in 2022. Michelle now lives in Toronto, Canada
and Byron Bay, Australia.
Number of Pages: 224
Dimensions: 0.9 x 8 x 5.4 IN
Publication Date: August 16, 2022
Accelerated Reader:
Quiz Name: Berani
Interest Level: Middle Grades, 4-8
Reading Level: 5
Point Value: 5
