A Million Shades of Gray

Y'Tin is brave.

No one in his village denies thathis mother may wish that hed spend more time on school work than on elephant training, but still she knows that it takes a great deal of courage and calm to deal with elephants the way that Y'Tin does. He is almost the best trainer in the villageand, at twelve-years old, hes certainly the youngest. Maybe hell even open up his own school some day to teach other Montagnards how to train wild elephants? That was the plan anywayback before American troops pulled out of the Vietnam War, back before his village became occupied by Viet Cong forces seeking revenge, back before Y'Tin watched his life change in a million terrible ways.

Now, his bravery is truly put to the test: he can stay in his village, held captive by the Viet Cong or he can risk his life (and save his elephants) by fleeing into the jungle. The Montagnards know their surroundings well. After all, this is why Y'Tins village had become loyal US allies during the war, having been tapped by Special Forces for their tracking skills and familiarity with the jungle. But that also means that Y'Tin knows how unsafe it can beand how much danger he is in if he chooses to head out with no destination in mind.

At once heartbreaking and full of hope, Newbery Medal-winning author Cynthia Kadohatas exploration into the depth of the jungle and the not-so-distant past brings us close to a world few people know aboutand none will ever forget. Y'Tins story is one of lasting friendships, desperate choices and all that we lose when we are forced to change.