Aram's Choice

This story, lovingly told, examines the bleak history of Armenian orphans transported far from home to the shores of Canada following a genocide in their homeland. Skrypuch brings the fear and wonder of the boys' experiences to life with her clear text and vivid imagery. Reading the story is a visceral experience not to be missed.

Aram's story is based on the life of an Armenian orphan brought to Canada in 1923. Aram's journey out of Turkey (with his grandmother) during the Armenian Genocide, to an orphanage in Greece, and on to a farm in rural Ontario is one of new discoveries and experiences--unforgettable are his nighttime swim around the skeleton of a sunken ship, arriving at the Port of Quebec, and eating his first banana. Historical information is smoothly woven into the story, as golden threads enrich silk fabric. Backmatter includes maps tracing Aram's journey, a glossary, bibliography of novels about the Armenian Genocide, including two gems by Marsha Skrypuch, Internet sites and films, an index, biographical information on the author and illustrator, and a historicl note. Color illustrations enrich the pages of this historically accurate, thoroughly researched, and well-designed book. A memorable chapter book in the New Beginnings series, ARAM'S CHOICE is a must-read.

ARAM'S CHOICE takes readers on a journey into the unknown with a group of young Armenian orphans who must leave their homeland or face extermination. Such a heavy theme, written differently, could have weighed the book down but, told through the eyes of a child, blends hardship with courage, fear with wonder and discouragement with hope. Both text and illustrations are beautifully and authentically crafted, bringing alive the experience of Canada's Georgetown Boys. Highly recommended.

I'll admit, historical fiction is not usually my first choice of genre, but this small treasure of a story was enough to change my tastes! I wasn't even aware of the Armenian genocide--another painful chapter in mankind's history. This account picks up with the rescue of some young boys who are sent to an orphanage in Corfu and then to Canada to start new lives. Aram is such a likable character, such a boyish boy in the midst of all these historical events! I once asked my mother, a history major, how she thinks children should study history. She replied that they should study the lives of intriguing people in the context of history. Aram reminded me that one young life, of such value in and of itself, could paint a vivid picture of a forgotten time in history--one that deserves to be acknowledged and remembered.