Escaping the Tiger

When he was younger, Vonlai was concerned mainly with playing soccer with his friend. That changes in 1982, when he is 12, and Vonlai’s family escapes from Laos to Thailand. Thus begins four years of living in a refugee camp, with little to eat and little to hope for. As Vonlai yearns for freedom, he learns how to survive and grow. Laura Manivong captures the hopelessness and tedium of daily life for people who are waiting for their lives to change. Escaping the Tiger shows young people how political events can impact lives and how the human spirit can rise above difficult circumstances. I recommend it for ages 11–14.

The Laotian saying “Escaping the tiger to face the crocodile” sums up the experience of many refugees who escaped Communist rule to await their fate in refugee camps in Thailand. Author Laura Manivong, the author of Escaping the Tiger, shows young people what life was like for these refugees through the eyes of young Vonlai. Based on a true story, Manivong has crafted a tale that draws the reader into the life of the Sirivong family and others seeking freedom from oppression.

As his family waits for the opportunity to be relocated to the United States, Vonlai tries to engage in normal activities. But he must leave school after sixth grade, and the soccer field is full of rocks. He makes friends with an elder, who teaches him wood carving and patience. Life in the camp is not easy for his family and Vonlai becomes the protector of his teenage sister’s virtue.

Through Vonlai’s eyes, we experience the difficulties that refugees face throughout the world. Vonlai’s hunger for food, knowledge and safety make him a convincing character and readers will find understanding in his plight. We cheer for Vonlai, whose spirit and eagerness to learn motivate him to maintain hope throughout his family's four-year ordeal. This is an inspirational story that will spark discussion in families and classrooms.

Jean Hatfield has experience as a children’s librarian, a school librarian, and a head librarian. She has served on the selection committee for major children’s book awards and is presently responsible for the selection of public library materials for youth – children and young adults – for the public library system in the largest city in Kansas, Wichita.