72 pages • 2 hours read
The Clay Marble
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Book Brief
176
Novel • Fiction
Cambodia • 1980s
1991
YA
10-14 years
860L
Super Short Summary
The Clay Marble by Minfong Ho is a 1991 YA novel set in Cambodia around 1980, following twelve-year-old Dara and her family as they navigate the challenges of post-Khmer Rouge rule. Dara befriends Jantu in a refugee camp, and as their families attempt to rebuild their lives, a series of events force Dara to find her inner strength and courage to ensure their survival and future. This book includes graphic descriptions of an injured baby and the shooting death of a teenager.
Emotional
Challenging
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
2,057 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Clay Marble by Minfong Ho is widely praised for its poignant depiction of the Cambodian civil war through the eyes of a young girl. Reviewers commend Ho's evocative storytelling and sensitive portrayal of historical trauma. However, some critics find the pacing slow and character development uneven. Overall, it's lauded for its emotional depth and educational value.
Who Should Read The Clay Marble?
A reader who would enjoy The Clay Marble by Minfong Ho likely appreciates historical fiction and stories of resilience in the face of adversity. Fans of Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai or A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park will find its poignant narrative and strong, young protagonist equally compelling.
2,057 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
176
Novel • Fiction
Cambodia • 1980s
1991
YA
10-14 years
860L
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