Berani
by Michelle Kadarusman (Author)
An honest and stirring novel about the choices made by young environmental activists, and the balancing act between consequence and triumph
Malia has had a privileged upbringing in Indonesia, but since her Indonesian father died, her Canadian mother wants to return to her own family on the other side of the world. Malia is determined to stay.
Indonesia is her home, and she loves it. Besides, if she leaves, how can she continue to fight for her country's precious rainforests? Ari knows he is lucky to be going to school and competing on the chess team, even if it means an endless round of chores at his uncle's restaurant. Back in his home village, he and his cousin Suni dreamed about getting a chance like this. But now he is here without her, and the guilt is crushing him. As if that weren't enough, he's horribly worried about Ginger Juice, his uncle's orangutan. The too-small cage where she lives is clearly hurting her body and her mind, but where else can she go? The rainforest where she was born is a palm oil plantation now.
In Berani, Governor General's Award finalist Michelle Kadarusman spins together three perspectives: Malia, who is prepared to risk anything for her activism, Ari, who knows the right path but fears what it will cost, and Ginger Juice, the caged orangutan who still remembers the forest and her mother. The choices the young people make will have consequences for themselves, for Ginger Juice, and for others, if they are brave enough--or reckless enough--to choose.
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Review quotes
Praise for Berani
"Berani by Michelle Kadarusman is a perfect book for international schools... A fantastic read that shows kids (and readers of all ages) to believe in their values and that they, too, can change the world."—The International Educator
"Berani is a powerful middle-grade story about animal activism set in Indonesia...The story is exciting and engaging, with strong character development.... Berani is ideal for animal lovers or readers interested in activism and would also be a good choice for book clubs. Highly recommended for readers aged nine to 12."—Books + Publishing
"A book about bravery and doing what's right, standing up for the voiceless, and what we owe one another, Berani is a powerful, bittersweet, and engrossing story that can help blow the spark of environmentalism in young readers into a flame."—Open Book
"[Michelle Kadarusman's] novels have a compelling way of unraveling complex world issues for children and teens. Her latest middle-grade novel, Berani, is no exception...Kadarusman draws on the plight of orangutans while offering up a narrative steeped in empathy and inspiration for youth."—CBC Books
"This author was a Governor General's Award finalist for her 2019 book, GIRL OF THE SOUTHERN SEA, and I will pick up anything she writes. Still, the stunning cover of BERANI designed by Peggy Collins will draw readers to this story told from three different points of view that focus on environmental activism in Indonesia...These three perspectives weave together into a moving and inspiring story about standing up for what you believe."—Kathie MacIsaac
"Michelle Kadarusman's latest middle grade book, Berani, was a great read... Each voice is unique, and each story is connected to the other...I look forward to reading it again."—Book Time
"Berani by [Michelle Kadarusman] captivates, inspires, and gives hope. This tale takes you to Indonesia through three perspectives interwoven with culture, environment, and character growth."—@westmaplemedia
"Michelle Kadarusman always writes from the heart. The love she has for the places she writes about is evident throughout all her stories and none more than in Berani...If you enjoyed The One and Only Ivan, put Berani on your TBR list. I think you will love it even more."—Storytime with Stephanie
"What an awesome book! ... [Michelle Kadarusman] has such a talent for creating worlds...this book was a treasure to read."—Mrs. Book Dragon
"Rating: ★★★★★...This was a touching and emotional story...it's important to read these types of stories because they reflect real world problems. [A] beautiful middle grade story."—Jill's Book Blog
"This fine novel, set in Indonesia is a story of activism and animal rights, choices and consequences...my guess [is] it will be on several Canadian award lists in the year ahead."—Dr. Larry Recommends
Kadarusman grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and also lived many years
throughout her father's homeland of Indonesia before moving to Canada in 2000.
Her books have earned numerous nominations, including the Governor General's
Literary Awards, the Ontario Library Association Silver Birch Awards, and the
Green Earth Book Award. Her novels include The Theory of Hummingbirds, Girl
of the Southern Sea, and Music for Tigers. Her first picture book, Room
for More, published in 2022. Michelle now lives in Toronto, Canada
and Byron Bay, Australia.
JUV035000 - Juvenile Fiction | School & Education
JUV039220 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Values & Virtues
JUV030020 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | Asia
JUV029010 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | Environment
Middle schools
Orangutans
Rain forests
Indonesia
Chess
Environmentalists
Novels
Middle schols
