A Song for Cambodia
Written by Michelle Lord
Illustrated by Shino Arihara
Published by Lee & Low Books
The true story of Arn Chorn-Pond, Cambodian American musician and human rights activist, who as a young boy survived Khmer Rouge work camps by learning to play a musical instrument.
When Arn was a young boy in Cambodia, his days were filled with love, laughter, and the sweet sounds of music. That all changed suddenly in 1975 when Arn’s village was invaded by Khmer Rouge soldiers and his family was torn apart.
Nine-year-old Arn was taken to a children’s work camp, where he labored long hours in the rice fields under the glaring eyes of threatening soldiers. Overworked, underfed, and in constant fear for his life, Arn had to find a way to survive. When guards asked for volunteers to play music one day, Arn bravely raised his hand-taking a chance that would change the course of his life.
A Song for Cambodia is the inspirational true story of Arn Chorn-Pond. His heartfelt music created beauty in a time of darkness and turned tragedy into healing.
Primary ISBN:
Publication Date: March 2008
Available As: Paperback, eBook
Picture Book , Age 06 or older
Community Represented: Cambodian/Cambodian American
Themes: Arts, Family Separation: By Detention, Genre: Biography, Genre: Historical, Human Rights Violation: Abduction & Internment, Human Rights Violation: Child Labor, Human Rights Violation: Child Soldiers, Human Rights Violation: Genocide, Loss of Childhood, Refugee Journey, Refugee: Persecution, Refugee: War/Conflict, Setting: Refugee Camp, Trauma & Healing, Unaccompanied Minors
Setting: Cambodia, Thailand, United States
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Refugee
Click here for details about how we define our titles.
Engagement Projects & Resources:
Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.
Engagement Materials:
Source: Lee & Low Books