The House of Sixty Fathers

Book cover: 'The House of Sixty Fathers'
Author(s): 
Meindert de Jong
Number of pages: 
189 pages
Copyright: 
1956
Publisher: 
Harper Collins
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
This is the dramatic story (and probably true or based-on-a-true story) of a young boy in Japanese-occupied China who is separated from his parents and baby sister. He travels with his pet pig through dangerous territory and aids a wounded American airman. Still seeking his parents, he is adopted by the airmen (sixty "fathers") at an American military base who fly him about the area to find his parents in gratitude for his assistance to their fellow soldier.

The story is beautiful and thoughtful and gives a picture of life in an oft-forgotten portion of the World War II "drama". We Americans tend to focus on the stories of Europe and the Holocaust. Appropriate for ages ten and up.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
4-26-02