A Million Shades of Gray - REVIEW

Published by Simon and Schuster, A Million Shades of Gray by Cynthia Kadohata is a moving teen book out early next year.

SYNOPSIS
Ever since Tin can remember he's wanted to be an elephant trainer. At twelve year's old he's the youngest - and in his eyes the best - elephant handler in the village. Tin can think of nothing he'd rather do than spend all day with his elephant, Lady, looking after her an d playing together. But Tin's peaceful, idyllic life is changed dramatically when the Viet Cong attack his village and he finds himself held hostage by the terrifying soldier who don't care if he lives or dies. Can Tin find the courage to escape from his captors and save not only his own life, but his precious elephants too?

REVIEW
It is obvious from reading that Kadahota has spent a lot of time researching elephants and their trainers as Y'Tin and Lady come to life in this new story. I was gripped by the relationship between Tin and his friends as well as his love of Lady and her soon-to-be-born calf. Paced slowly at first, as the village is calm and the Americans have left, moving suddenly faster as the Viet Cong invade the tribe's village. On the run for his life, Tin has to do what's best for him and Lady. Can he say goodbye to her? I loved this book, though not something I would've usually picked up, I'll now be searching out Kadohata's previous award-winning stories. Suitable for 12 year olds and up, this is a must buy read.