A Million Shades of Gray, Cynthia Kadohata
A Million Shades of Gray, Cynthia Kadohata
2 Rating(s)
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A Million Shades of Gray

Author: Cynthia Kadohata

Narrator: Keith Nobbs

Unabridged: 4 hr 43 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/05/2010


Synopsis

Y'Tin is brave.

No one in his village denies that—his mother may wish that he’d spend more time on school work than on elephant training, but still she knows that it takes a great deal of courage and calm to deal with elephants the way that Y'Tin does. He is almost the best trainer in the village—and, at twelve-years old, he’s certainly the youngest. Maybe he’ll even open up his own school some day to teach other Montagnards how to train wild elephants? That was the plan anyway—back before American troops pulled out of the Vietnam War, back before his village became occupied by Viet Cong forces seeking revenge, back before Y'Tin watched his life change in a million terrible ways.

Now, his bravery is truly put to the test: he can stay in his village, held captive by the Viet Cong or he can risk his life (and save his elephant’s) by fleeing into the jungle. The Montagnards know their surroundings well. After all, this is why Y'Tin’s village had become loyal US allies during the war, having been tapped by Special Forces for their tracking skills and familiarity with the jungle. But that also means that Y'Tin knows how unsafe it can be—and how much danger he is in if he chooses to head out with no destination in mind.

At once heartbreaking and full of hope, Newbery Medal-winning author Cynthia Kadohata’s exploration into the depth of the jungle and the not-so-distant past brings us close to a world few people know about—and none will ever forget. Y'Tin’s story is one of lasting friendships, desperate choices and all that we lose when we are forced to change.

About Cynthia Kadohata

Cynthia Kadohata won the National Book Award for The Thing About Luck and the Newbery Medal for Kira-Kira. She’s also the author of many more critically acclaimed novels, including Checked, A Million Shades of Gray, A Place to Belong, Weedflower, Cracker!, and Outside Beauty. In addition to rescuing Dobermans, she’s also managed her son’s hockey team. She lives in California. Visit her online at CynthiaKadohata.com.

About Keith Nobbs

Keith Nobbs has appeared on Broadway in The Lion In Winter and off-Broadway in Dog Sees God, Romance, The Hasty Heart, Bye Bye Birdie, Dublin Carol, and Four (Lucille Lortel Award, Drama Desk Nomination). His film credits include Phone Booth, Double Whammy, and 25th Hour. Television credits include The Black Donnellys (series regular), Law and Order: Criminal Intent, and The Sopranos.


Reviews

Goodreads review by thelastword on August 29, 2015

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. I have been going through the reviews to see if anybody read between the lines as I did, and from the few I've read it doesn't seem like it. Perhaps I'm reading too much into it, but this is what I've noticed: Tomas = Foreign Interference Y'Tin - South or North Vietnam Y......more

Goodreads review by Krissy on February 08, 2018

Subtracted a star for that meh ending.......more

Goodreads review by George on February 11, 2010

I was really excited to read this book for two reasons: it was written by a Newbery Award winner and it centers around a young adolescent boy in rural Vietnam immediately following the Vietnam War. However, I do not think either of those qualities of the book lived up to my expectations. The plot an......more

Goodreads review by Yasmine on January 23, 2020

A Million Shades of Gray takes place in in 1973 after the American troops pulled out of South Vietnam. The book is about a thirteen-year-old boy named Y’Tin and his elephant Lady. Y’Tin is very proud of being an excellent tracker and the youngest elephant handler in his village. Y’Tin’s life is turn......more

Goodreads review by Mary on May 19, 2021

This is a young adult book so the language is quick and easy to read. I was interested in the story because I do not know much about the period of the war in Viet Nam. I learned some about the times and the customs of that era. However, I feel that it was continually mentioned that the Americans lef......more