Half Spoon of Rice: A Survival Story of the Cambodian Genocide

Nine-year-old Nat is forced out of his Cambodian home and marched into the countryside when the Khmer Rouge comes into power. Nat is separated from his family and endures forced labor in rice fields from dawn to midnight with little food. Over the next four years, Nat confronts starvation, fear, and brutality. With the help of his friend Malis, Nat finds hope and the strength to escape, eventually reuniting with the family he loves. Half Spoon of Rice is based on true stories of children survivors during the Khmer Rouge regime in the mid–1970s in Cambodia. The book features vivid illustrations and historical photographs documenting an important part of the tumultuous history of Cambodia.

Book Awards: National Association for Multicultural Education Multicultural Children’s Publication Award, Benjamin Franklin Award, California Book Award Finalist, Society of School Librarians International Honor Award, Cooperative Children Book Center Choices, Skipping Stones Honor Award, Moonbeam Children s Book Award