Aram's Choice [Hardcover]

Grade 2-4–This easy chapter book tells the story of a group of Armenian refugee boys who made the journey from Corfu, Greece, to Georgetown, Canada, after the Armenian genocide in the early 1900s. The story, based on the experiences of one of these boys, describes a trip of sadness, anxiety, and hope from a childs point of view. The actual genocide is briefly and gently explained in a historical note at the end. Realistic color illustrations on most pages, some of them spreads, add authenticity to the narrative. Covering an incident little known in the United States, this work would be of particular interest in areas where Armenian immigrants live, but it could also underline a general discussion of humanitarianism.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
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Gr. 3-5. Twelve-year-old Aram lives in an orphanage in Greece. His grandmother, who is too poor to keep him, brought him out of Turkey during the Armenian genocide, which claimed the lives of other family members. Along with other boys chosen to emigrate to Canada, Aram travels by cargo ship, ocean liner, and train to his new home, a farm in rural Ontario. Though missing his grandmother, Aram tries to keep the younger boys out of trouble and enjoys many new experiences, such as eating his first banana. Skrypuch based her story on the life of an Armenian orphan brought to Canada in 1923. With at least one small color illustration on nearly every double-page spread, this nicely designed chapter book from the publisher's New Beginnings series offers a bit of information woven seamlessly into the fiction. A glossary, a historical note, and lists of recommended books, films, and Internet sites round out the book. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

"Realistic color illustrations on most pages, some of them spreads, add authenticity to the narrative. Covering an incident little known in the United States, this work would be of particular interest in areas where Armenian immigrants live, but it could also underline a general discussion of humanitarianism."
-- School Library Journal

"A story that is sure to inspire thoughtful discussion about relocation and humanitarian efforts."
-- Also from the School Library Journal

"Aram's Choice is emotionally-charged . . . a perfect choice for lessons in history and humanitarianism. Readers between ages 8 and 11 (Grade 2-5) will feel a deep connection to the events, because the story is told first person through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy."
-- Curled Up With A Good Kid's Book

"Young readers will find information on a little known period of Armenian and Canadian history in an enjoyable and easy to read format.
Recommended."
-- CM Magazine

"Aram's Choice is superbly written to appeal to young audiences while informing them of the history of the world in which we live. . .Aram's Choice is an affordable, comprehensive asset to the social studies classroom."
"Rated: Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!"
-- Resource Links

"Short chapters, appealing full-color artwork, and well-researched back matter make this a good choice for readers interested in past humanitarian efforts.
-- Booklinks

Silver Birch Express shortlist 2007

Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice, 2007

Canadian Library Association Book of the Year for Children shortlist, 2007

Golden Oak nominee, 2008

Embark on this gripping adventure!

Aram is like all the boys exiled in Greece. He has survived the Armenian genocide in Turkey and now lives in an orphanage. He can never return home. One day Aram learns that he will be one of fifty boys who will start a new life in a country called Canada. What does he know of this distant land? There is snow, lots to eat, and no war. But most important of all, Aram has heard that the
trees are covered in gold. All he will have to do is pluck the gold off the branches and he will have enough money to bring his grandmother out to join him. But first he must get there.

Aram is about to embark on a long adventure. Will he find a land of endless riches, or a place he can finally call home?

• A great adventure story for boys
  
• Illustrations are historically accurate
  
• Third title in the New Beginnings series (see below)

Marsha Skrypuch is the author of many books for children, including Silver Threads, Enough, The Hunger and Hope's War. Her novel about the Armenian genocide, Nobody's Child, was nominated for the Red Maple Award, the Alberta Rocky Mountain Book Award, the B.C. Stellar Award; and it was listed by Resource Links as a Best Book. Aram's Choice is based on the story of Kevork Kevorkian, one of the original Georgetown Boys - a group of Armenian orphans brought to Georgetown, Ontario, in 1923.

Muriel Wood is acclaimed for the accurate historical detail in her illustrations. She is the illustrator of Apples and Angel Ladders, Scared Sarah, The Olden Days Coat, Anne of Green Gables and Old Bird. Muriel lives in Port Hope, Ontario.