3/09/2009
A Song for Cambodia by Michelle Lord
Illustrated by Shino Arihara. The life of Arn Chorn-Pond, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge killing fields, is told in this picture book biography. Chorn-Pond survives a children's work camp through his skill at playing the khim, a traditional Cambodian musical instrument. The foreword and the afterword provide historical perspective as well as describing Chorn-Pond's accomplishments in human rights in Cambodia and the U.S. Because of the tragedy and violence in the story, I would recommend this multicultural title for Grades 4-6. It is a powerful tale of how music helped ease suffering during war. Good for social studies or music units.
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Second. I don't know of another picture book on this topic. It is an important part of history and a compelling story, told here with sensitivity and simplicity. Seventh grade social studies teachers could easily incorporate it into their curriculum.
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