Malini
Author: Robert Hillman
Author: Lyn White
Book 5 in the Through My Eyes series
Pages: 208
Published: 2014
Age: 11+
Malini lives with her parents and young sister, Banni, in northern Sri Lanka. As the civil war heads towards its catastrophic end, Malini and her family are herded by Tamil Tiger troops towards the coast where they will act as human shields, along with thousands of other Tamil civilians. When Malini's father pushes a mobile phone into her hands and tells her to run off into the forest with Banni, Malini does as she is told. But then the shelling begins, and Malini has no way of finding her mother and father.
With the role of parent thrust upon her, Malini has no choice but to travel to her grandfather's village a long way inland. She and Banni will need to keep off the highways and stay alert for soldiers from all sides. But where will the next meal come from? Who can they trust? Where will they shelter? And will they ever be reunited with their parents again?
The uplifting story of one girl's odyssey through war-torn Sri Lanka.
About the Through My Eyes Series
Books in series order
Reading age: 11+ years
Through My Eyes is a moving and engagingly educational series which invites young readers to enter the fragile worlds of children living in contemporary war zones. Every day in an increasing number of countries, children are desperately trying to survive as their families and their whole way of life is destroyed by war. This new series is a tribute to such children and the themes of courage, determination, triumph and perseverance will inspire, challenge and engage young readers, creating greater cross cultural understanding and informed empathy.
Several stories set in the World Wars have been written for younger readers but very little has been published about more contemporary conflicts and those within Asian settings. War affects the old and the young, the rich and the poor, the boy or girl and these stories will appeal to all readers.
A portion of the proceeds (up to $5000) from sales of this series will be donated to UNICEF; and educational support materials for this series have been produced with their assistance.
Note: Readers who enjoy this series may also like the two companion series: Through My Eyes: Natural Disaster Zones, and Through My Eyes: Australian Disaster Zones.