The House of Sixty Fathers

The House of Sixty Fathers follows thirteen-year-old Tien Pao, who becomes separated from his family during the Second Sino-Japanese War in China. When his sampan breaks loose during a storm, he finds himself alone with only his pet pig Glory of the Republic, forced to navigate through Japanese-occupied territory. The story chronicles Tien Pao's journey as he attempts to reunite with his parents and sister, facing dangers from both nature and war. Through mountains and forests, he encounters various challenges while trying to make his way back to the American airfield where his family had gone to find work. The narrative incorporates authentic details of wartime China and the operations of the American Flying Tigers unit during World War II. DeJong's personal experience as a military flier in China adds depth to the historical backdrop and military elements of the story. This 1956 Newbery Honor Book explores themes of survival, courage, and the unexpected bonds that can form between people during times of crisis. The story presents war through a child's perspective while examining the universal human capacity for kindness even in harsh circumstances.

Readers find this book emotionally moving and historically enlightening about the Japanese occupation of China. Parents and teachers note it works well for ages 9-12 as both a classroom read and a way to discuss war from a child's perspective. Likes: - Strong bond between protagonist and the American airmen - Educational without being heavy-handed - Vivid descriptions of the Chinese landscape - Survival elements keep children engaged - Complex themes handled appropriately for young readers Dislikes: - Some find the pacing slow in the middle chapters - A few readers mention the dated language - Several note it can be too intense for sensitive children Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (90+ reviews) Scholastic: 4/5 "This book helped my students understand the human cost of war," writes one teacher on Goodreads. Another reader notes: "The descriptions of hunger and fear felt very real - perhaps too real for younger kids."

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🌟 The book's illustrator, Maurice Sendak, is best known for creating "Where the Wild Things Are," making this collaboration particularly special. 🌟 Author Meindert DeJong won the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1962 for his lasting contribution to children's literature. 🌟 The sampan boats featured in the story were traditional Chinese wooden boats that served as homes for entire families along China's waterways for centuries. 🌟 The Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) resulted in up to 20 million Chinese civilian deaths, making it one of the most devastating conflicts in human history. 🌟 DeJong's firsthand experience as a U.S. Army Air Force pilot in China during WWII enabled him to vividly describe the landscape and conditions that Tien Pao encountered.