Under the Sun

by Arthur Dorros

Book Overview

Emet, separated from his parents by the Balkan conflict, must travel across a rugged landscape to a place he's heard rumours of, a village of children, living in harmony away from the violence that is tearing their country apart. Here, the author combines his interest in other cultures and knowledge of nature.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810992507
• ISBN13: 9780810992504
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 10 to 16 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 11

Customer Reviews

a pleasure to read

This book is a great book you get to learn the fabolous culture of Yugoslavia and the war that was happening in that time period. D*

Dorros opens unique window into Croatia

I found the descriptions in this book compelling, the characters interesting, and the plot a page turner. I grew to love the characters, particularly Ehmet. I was sorry when it was over, and really missed not being able to continue seeing how Ehmet's new life in the Children's Village would evolve. All three of my teen age children have enjoyed it as well. I hope Dorros will follow this with a sequel so we may see how a group of ordinary people can indeed change the world.

A teenager's experience with war, identity, and resilience

This action-filled story of a resourceful teenager's journey carried me, and young adult readers, along - the kind of book that makes you want to keep turning the pages and read into the night. The characters and places are well pictured, and through the story you get views of a recent period in history - the wars in the Balkans, that were confusing to a lot of people - as well as what it might be like to survive a war torn situation and come out in a positive place. As a teacher, this book offers great jumping-off points for discussions of current events, history, ethnic identity and tolerance, and peoples' resilience. Highly recommended, and captivating read.

A Grandfather's Review

I read my grandson's copy of Under the Sun. I couldn't put it down, and I enjoyed it from start to finish. In fact, its my favorite book of the year! I've heard and read a lot about the recent wars in the Balkans, but I haven't really understood how neighbor could turn against neighbor. It's still hard to understand, but "traveling" through Bosnia and Croatia with Ehmet was eye-opening. This is a very fine book, for young adults and for their parents and grandparents!

An absorbing book for our time

"Under the Sun by Arthur Dorros is about war-torn Bosnia and a young boy's struggle with the ethnic hatred that has turned his world upside down. It is an insightful look into the heart of the young protagonist who finds hope and healing in unexpected places. I was gripped by the drama of the story and absorbed by the opportunity to view the Balkan wars from the perspective of a child experiencing the pain, confusion, and grief of that tragic time. "Under the Sun" is a beautifully written novel that gives me hope, even as I struggle to understand the new war that is being fought today.