The Clay Marble

I revisited this book after going to a book talk by Mingfong Ho. In her talk, she recounted how she was inspired to write the book. When the Khmer Rouge was driven from power in 1979, she went back to help refugees fleeing to Thailand. While the story of Cambodia is now one of a country developing and limping into peace, their past isn't one we should forget. In order for many children to appreciate this book, I feel that an introduction into the Cambodian genocide might be necessary as well as covering more recent civil strife which has resulted in refugees fleeing their country. There are more refugees today than in any other time in history. The Clay Marble tells an important story of inspiration and hope.

Overall, I think that The Clay Marble is a great novel, and I recommend it to all age groups young and old. Excitement wise, I think that the book had its ups and downs.But I think the most tragic, exciting, breathtaking, and the best part of te story, was when one of Daras newly aquired and most beloved friend, Jantu was shot by a member of Surans own squad. Then after much awaitment and procrastination she finally dies.And for this I give the book a Rating of Five stars.

Personally I like the book because it had relationships,war and a monkey, therefore i think it was a great book and it had a great ending. My favorite part of the book was when Jantu made a clay mobile ,but after that a character named Chnay came and smashed the mobile. So thats why I give it 4 thumbs up..... I mean 4 stars. Bob B. Bobobson

AT first I was reluctant to read it but once I got into it I really enjoyed it. I feel that this book is about hardships and what it takes to survive, I would recommend it to anyone who asked! I would also like to thank my teacher for showing me this book!

I think that Mingfong Ho wrote the best book ever, when she wrote "The clay Marble." Set in Cambodia, this book is about a refugee girl named Dara, trying to overcome the obstacles of the war, so that she could live a normal life. When she Jantu, Dara believes that dreams really can shape lifes. My favorite protagonists are Dara, Jantu, and Nea. I think that the worst antagonists were the armies and soldiers. Mingfong Ho doesn't allow the most moving characters to be static- instead they are dynamic. I definatly think that "The Clay Marble" is at least a five star book.