Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins follows two boys, Chiko from the Burmese military-occupied Yangon and Tu Reh from a Karenni refugee camp, whose lives intersect during the violent conflict between Burma's military and the Karenni people. Their journey addresses friendship, resilience, and the power of education against propaganda, as they navigate their complex identities and evolving perspectives. The book discusses violence and human rights abuses, including the use of child soldiers, graphic war atrocities, and hate crimes.

Mitali Perkins' Bamboo People is lauded for its rich cultural setting and compelling dual narrative, offering a nuanced perspective on the Burmese conflict. Readers appreciate the well-rounded characters and themes of resilience and empathy. However, some critique the pacing and occasionally predictable plot. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and educational read for young adults.

Readers who would enjoy Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins are young adults interested in coming-of-age stories set in diverse cultural backgrounds. Fans of Refugee by Alan Gratz and A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park will appreciate the novel's emphasis on resilience, friendship, and the human impact of political conflict.

Challenging / Adventurous / Emotional / Contemplative / Inspirational

Mitali Perkins

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Bamboo People and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Bamboo People Summary and Study Guide

Background

Bamboo People Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-8

Bamboo People Part 1, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-17

Bamboo People Part 1, Chapters 9-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 18-27

Bamboo People Part 1, Chapters 18-27 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 1-8

Bamboo People Part 2, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 9-19

Bamboo People Part 2, Chapters 9-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 20-27 (Epilogue)

Bamboo People Part 2, Chapters 20-27 (Epilogue) Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Bamboo People Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Bamboo People Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Bamboo People Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Bamboo People Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Bamboo People Essay Topics

Bamboo People

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Bamboo People?

Reading Age

Book Details