Fish

Fish	Hodder Children’s Books
Written by L.S. Mathews	2003
Fiction	183 pages
Reading Level age 10

Summary

Tiger lives with his parents in a village taking care of the sick and hungry. There hasn’t been rain in a long time. Everything is drying up. His parents are worried about the fighting and how close it is getting. Many of the villagers and refugees start the journey to cross the border into a safer country. Tiger’s parents stay until there is no one else to help. Tiger was watching the pond from the last rain slowly shrink smaller. Suddenly, a fish jumps out of the water. He runs home to tell his father, only to find him packing things up. He is told they are leaving and to pack his clothes. He explains about the fish and runs back to the pond with a pot to try and save the fish. He is successful but gets covered with mud in the process. When he walks home, he finds a guide and his donkey at the house. The guide starts leading them to the border. After walking all day, Tiger’s feet are sore and aching. They make it to the border through a bad wind storm, only to find the soldiers won’t let them pass, even with the papers from their country. There is no other choice than to cross over the mountains. By the evening, Tiger’s feet are blistered and rubbed raw. He has to stay off them the next day. His father carries him. The path leads across a wide muddy river bed. The donkey leads them slowly across, with everyone testing the depth of the mud. They are almost across when Dad steps into a deep hole. With Tiger being on his back, he cannot move. In the process, Fish is dropped and slowly the pot is sinking into the mud. “Save the Fish!,” Tiger cries to his mother. She scoops the fish from the pot and slides him into a bottle. All safe on the other side, Tiger takes his fish back. They climb up the mountain, crossing on narrow paths. Once the donkey slipped, and in order to save her Dad cuts half their belongings off her back, to send them tumbling down the drop. Then they are accosted by three men with guns. The men attempt to take them hostage. Tiger escapes by hiding in the mud, holding his breath and hoping Fish is alright in his bottle. He crawls out and is found by his parents. They make their way down the mountain of shale. They are almost to the bottom when Tiger slips from exhaustion and tumbles down. Fish’s bottle was smashed and leaking. His mother pours Fish onto a warped cooking pan. Every step the water sloshed to the opposite corner swirling Fish back and forth. Feet cut by his fall and legs shaking, Tiger attempts to keep going. Black spots appear in his vision and he stumbles. Fish! Dad caught the tray and hold Fish and a small puddle of water. Tiger slips Fish into his mouth to keep him wet. Dad carries Tiger the rest of the way down. They reach the bottom only to find an officer around the corner. He explains he is supposed to keep refuges from entering the country. Dad shows the papers and is given water. Everyone takes a drink, Tiger too. He slides Fish into the bottle. They all ride to the medic center for fluids and food. The guide stays by Tiger’s bed and explains about love, you don’t have to see it to feel it. The next day, the guide is gone and Fish is left with the officer, who promises to set him free in a river that always flows. Tiger and his parents head to the airport to return home.

Reaction

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There was constant conflict and obstacles, but with enough dialogue and Tiger’s thoughts to carry the story line. The fish added suspense, Tiger had to take care of him and be responsible. I would have liked more details about the country they were in, but didn’t feel that it was necessary to understand the setting. It kept me interested and concerned for the characters.

Potential Problems

The book is based on a war they are fleeing and talks about maimed refugees the family takes care of in the village. Also, the three men end up fighting each other and one is shot and killed. This would not be appropriate for younger children.

Recommendations

I would recommend this book to those who have been through something like this. They would be able to relate and feel for the characters. I think it would be good for those who are away from their country.