Tash's community in Tibet is occupied by Chinese soldiers. When the soldier's come for Tash's family, Tash grabs her best friend Sam and flees across the mountains. Blizzards, nomads, hunger, and thirst are only a few obstacles they face.

I thought this was a great book for pre-teens. It is an adventure story that also shares a different culture and perspective. Overall, well worth picking up. ( )

Explains the TIetan situation for younger students, it is exciting and covers much of the political issues as well as the locale and child appropriate adventure.

Tash's father is part of the secret resistance in Tibet. After a man self-immolates in protest of the Chinese government, there is a crackdown on Tash's village. In the confusion of soldiers raiding their home, Tash escapes but her parents are arrested. Tash knows that the Dalai Lama can help so she and friend Sam decide to escape to India. It's a treacherous journey through the Himalayas for two kids with yaks and they must deal with storms and encounters with soldiers and other strangers. Who can they trust? Kids may need the context of Tibetan history to fully appreciate this book. Aside from that, readers will enjoy the suspense of Tash's journey and appreciate the fears involved. ( )