Children of the River
Children of the River
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1989
Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
Oregon • 1970s
1989
Middle grade
12-18 years
Super Short Summary
Children of the River by Linda Crew is a young adult novel about Sundara Sovann, a Cambodian girl who flees the Khmer Rouge with her family and eventually settles in America, where she adjusts to a new culture, forms a bond with a boy named Jonathan, and navigates the complexities of friendship, romance, and memories of her past life. This book includes themes of war, loss, and refugee experiences.
Emotional
Romantic
Challenging
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
2,125 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Children of the River by Linda Crew garners commendation for its heartfelt portrayal of a Cambodian refugee adapting to life in America. Readers appreciate its authentic depiction of cultural struggles and personal growth. However, some criticize the narrative for occasional predictability and underdeveloped secondary characters. Overall, it's a poignant and educational read.
Who Should Read Children of the River?
Readers who enjoy Children of the River by Linda Crew are typically drawn to poignant narratives about resilience and cultural identity, much like in The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan or Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. Ideal for young adults and adults alike, these readers appreciate moving stories set against a backdrop of historical and personal upheaval.
2,125 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
240
Novel • Fiction
Oregon • 1970s
1989
Middle grade
12-18 years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!