The Philippines, 100 years ago. A boy called Samkad wants to become a man. He is desperate to be given his own shield, spear and axe. His best friend, Luki, wants to be a warrior too - but she is a girl and that is forbidden. Then a new boy arrives in the village and everything changes. He brings news that a people called 'Americans' are bringing war right to his home . . .

A coming of age story set in a remote village in the Philippines, about growing up, discovering yourself and the impact of colonialism on native peoples and their lives.

About the Author
Candy Gourlay is of Philippino heritage, and was a journalist before becoming an author. Her previous book Shine was nominated for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2014. It won the Crystal Kite Prize for Europe 2014 - Candy's debut novel Tall Story also won the Crystal Kite in 2011. Tall Story was also nominated for the Carnegie Medal and shortlisted for 13 awards including the Blue Peter Prize, the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the Branford Boase.

Reviews
Very special * The Times *
Gourlay's evocative writing grips from the outset * Guardian *
A master storyteller * Scotsman *
Vividly drawn . . . mesmerising * Observer *


Awards
Short-listed for Carnegie Medal 2019 and Costa Children's Book Award 2018 and Leeds Book Awards 2019 and Calderdale Children's Book of the Year 2019 (UK). Long-listed for UKLA Book Awards 2020.



Book Information
ISBN 9781788450188
Author Candy Gourlay
Format Paperback
Page Count 252
Imprint David Fickling Books
Publisher David Fickling Books
Weight(grams) 223g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 19mm