Thailand...

The Happiness of Kati
Jane Vejjajiva

Nine year old Kati lives with her grandparents in rural Thailand, far from her mother. With the opportunity to visit her mother, Kati understands that her mother is very ill with ALS, a life threatening disease. Told through Kati's voice, the author reminds us how brave and wise children are.

Excerpt from School Library Journal: 'The author uses vivid description to bring the setting and culture to life, and characters are well drawn. While issues of parental responsibility and death with dignity are central to the story, the focus remains on Kati and her responses to what is going on around her. Although there are occasional lapses in the narrative, and message and melodrama sometimes intrude, this is a solid story enhanced by a unique sense of place."