The Conch Bearer

Divakaruni, Chitra Banerjee. (2003). Brookfield, Connecticut: Roaring Brook Press.0-7613-2793-2.

PLOT SUMMARY

Anand lives in India and must work support his mother and sister after his father leaves and is not heard from again. He meets an old man who is part of a secret brotherhood that has sworn to protect a magical conch from an evil man who was kicked out of the brotherhood. The old man recruits him to help him during his journey.

READER'S ANNOTATION

When a mysterious old man tells Anand of his mission to protect a magical conch from an evil man, Anand is spellbound. But when he learns that the old man needs him to assist him during his journey, he must decide whether to accompany him despite the dangers, or to stay with his mother and sister who need his help and support.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an Indian writer who grew up in India and moved to the United States when she was 19. She has a PhD in English from UC Berkeley and decided to write fiction rather than teach because academic writing had "no heart." She has published many books of fiction and poems, as well as essays.

GENRE

Fantasy/folklore

CURRICULUM TIES

Social Studies

Discuss the class differences in Indian society. Discuss the differences in Indian and American society

BOOKTALKING IDEAS

How would you react if a strange old man offered to take you on a journey that could be potentially dangerous? How would you feel if you knowingly left your mother and sister behind even though they needed you?

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

12 and over

CHALLENGE ISSUES

Some scary moments. Real life issues of trust and betrayal.

CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS

Know library policies. Know the book. Understand the interests involved--children learning about a different place and ideas.

WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?

Good example of writing from an ethnic author.