Half Spoon of Rice **

Nine-year-old Nat is forced out of his Cambodian home and marched into the countryside when the Khmer Rouge comes into power. Nat is separated from his family and endures forced labor in rice fields from dawn to midnight with little food. Over the next four years, Nat confronts starvation, fear, and brutality. With the help of his friend Malis, Nat finds hope and the strength to escape, eventually reuniting with the family he loves. Half Spoon of Rice is based on true stories of courage, friendship, survival, and the triumph of the human spirit. The book features vivid illustrations and historical photographs documenting the Cambodian genocide from 1975 to 1979. Book Awards: Benjamin Franklin Silver Award California Book Award Finalist Society of School Librarians International Honor Award Cooperative Children Book Center Choices Skipping Stones Honor Award Moonbeam Children s Book Award