The Wind is Not a River

by Arnold A. Griese

Book Overview

While hiding from the Japanese army, who have captured their small Attu island village, two children discover an injured Japanese soldier. Now they face a moral dilemma: to save the soldier or save... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0690038070
• ISBN13: 9780690038071
• Release Date: January 1978
• Publisher: Crowell
• Length: 108 Pages

Customer Reviews

The Wind is Not a River

Immediately bringing us to a remote, Aleutian island during World War II, The Wind is Not a River is a powerful tale, richly textured by the environment and culture in which it is set. The story is not a simple "adventure" story, as some summaries have purported; the plot is strikingly complex.The characters, so true to life, are struggling with the echoing words of their grandmother, as they try to escape the Japanese invasion of their village. Their physical challenges are compounded by a profound questioning of ethics. What should they do when they find an unconscious, Japanese soldier? Is their freedom more valuable than their humanity? For teachers, this story is a fine centerpiece to an interdisciplinary unit on the tundra, providing an accurate look at our generous, sensitive, and courageous neighbors to the north. A must for any teacher serious about providing his/her students with a critical and inspiring education.