Children of the River by Linda Crew

Sundara, a teenager who escaped the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia in 1975, is trying to make a new life in Oregon with her aunt, uncle, cousins, and grandmother. The first chapter describes their flight from their homeland and gives a brief picture of the conditions on the boat on which they escape.

The story continues with Sundara's struggles in Oregon. She has had no information about whether her parents and siblings are alive or dead. Furthermore, she feels responsible for the death of her infant cousin during the escape from Cambodia. A caring and handsome boy at school attracts Sundara, forcing her to decide whether to follow her Khmer customs that forbid her to spend time with him.

I read this book because it's on the list for the NCSLMA Battle of the Books. And I'm glad I did. The first chapter was a little difficult because of its foreignness--we live such comfortable lives, don't we. But Sundara becomes a compelling character, and I really enjoyed seeing how she and her family worked to weave together their past and present. And it was fun to recognize the references to Oregon climate, agriculture, and geography.