Running on the Roof of the World

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PT: RATW: Tibet*, children’s books (???), ice/mountains/COLD, human journeys, cultural heritage stories I was somewhat hesitant going in to this book, simply because stories about child refugees having to flee their homes are by their nature, sad and distressing, and given what's going on in the world at the moment, I can get a bit hand-shy of books that are too real in that regard. Thankfully, Butterworth manages the story of Tash and Sam with great control so that while the dangers and sadness are apparent at every step, they aren't so prominent as to overwhelm the reader. In fact, Running on the Roof of the World is a remarkably accessible book for young readers who are interested in real life events and what's going on outside their own bubble, written in a tone that is both moving and dignified. Summary: A wonderful middle grade story of survival and hope set in the Himalayan landscape in Tibet and India. And also a careful but honest description of the Chinese occupation and the issues surrounding it. Have you ever thought about accomplishing a long trek over the Himalaya mountains? What to wear, what to eat, how to survive? How about you ask a friend to come as well for company?

I’ll fully admit that my own experiences might present me with certain biases in this case. I lived in China for several years, have immediate and extended Chinese family, and have traveled throughout Tibet. Some of the situations that our two young travellers find themselves in along the way would have challenged even the bear-wearing Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant. At every stage of the journey Tash is using her inner strength, determined to save her parents. Reminded me A Long Walk to Water and The White Rose (about a Jewish teen Nazi resister, Sophie Scholl), two stories about kids becoming more aware and active in politics. Or Tree Girl, or Forgotten Fire (YA, about the Armenian genocide) but to be truthful, I liked all of them more than this book. I loved the adventure the characters went on, their strength, their courage. They set their minds on a goal and did everything in their power to achieve it. Tibet: Climate Action for the Roof of the World". Central Tibetan Administration . Retrieved 2017-04-17.There have been almost 150 cases of self-immolation protests among Tibetans in China since 2009. Not since China invaded in 1950 or since the Tibetan uprising in 1959 but in just the last 10 years! The set-up and introduction of Tash, her family, their village, and the Chinese authorities are done in a way that I spent the first half of the book assuming it was set in the years immediately following the Dalai Lama’s escape – i.e., the 1960s. So it was a bit of a surprise when one of the characters mentions that his flight was 50 years prior. Tash’s dad is involved in an underground movement, a movement fighting for freedom… so when the soldiers come banging on the door, Tash must run. Faraway. For Tash there is only one person who can help, the person whose very name is banned in Tibet. The Dalai Lama.

The setting of the majority of the story, the Himalayas, is another main character here. As daunting as the journey through the mountains and towards the relative safety of northern India is, the setting is still painted as breathtaking and beautiful by debut author Jess Butterworth. It’s unforgiving, yes, and Tash along with her best friend Sam and their yaks have various difficulties to contend with along the way. The landscape is still seen in a reverential way, a way that inspires awe in these young minds. The attitude and outlook of the Tibetan people is reflected in many of the characters in the book and it’s refreshing to read. Even though these characters endure hardship and persecution, there is always hope and a lot of love. Despite there being a clear “villain” in the shape of Chinese soldiers, there is rarely if ever a feeling of ill-will towards them from Tash or her neighbours. A trek can be interesting and fun; for Tash and Sam it’s a matter of life and death. They’re on the run from soldiers, but can they make the right decisions on the way? More like 3.5 stars although I think I would have rated this 4 stars if I'd been in the target age group.

A note on the cover design and artwork inside the book. Absolutely stunning and some of the best work I’ve seen this year. Well done to all at Hachette for the effort.