Middle School Library - Book Reviews

The House of Sixty Fathers takes place in China, around World War II. Tien Pao lived on the Coast of China, until the Japanese started attacking his home area. He and parents are forced to move inland with just their pig, ducks, and little sister Beauty of the Republic. One day, while his parents were at temporary work, the sampan (house boat) drifted into the massive river with Tien Pao in it. He hasn’t eaten in days, and finally gets off the cursed boat. He travels in the mountains for days, being shot at by the Japanese, eating leaves and grass, never opting to slaughter the pig. He finally manages to get back to the town he was at, finding it taken over by Japs. His family is nowhere to be found, so he follows the railroad tracks. He is found by American soldiers, who are kind enough to take him into their station, feeding him and doctoring him. Will Tien Pao ever find his family again? Or will he live with the soldiers until they have to go back to the US? Would they even take him with them?

This book was riveting, with twists & turns, crushing blows, and a good lesson awaiting you in the end. It isn’t hard to follow, it keeps you wanting to read, and Meindert DeJong makes it feel as if you were there! Dodge the bombs, gunfire, and fearless Japanese with Tien Pao! I sure enjoyed it!

Submitted by: Hannah DeYoung