Berani

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

From the Governor General’s Award-nominated author of Musicfor Tigers and Girl of the Southern Sea, a passionate story aboutenvironmental activism, difficult choices, and the cost of doing the rightthing

An honest and stirring novel about the choices made byyoung environmental activists, and the balancing act between consequence andtriumphMalia has had a privileged upbringing in Indonesia, butsince her Indonesian father died, her Canadian mother wants to return to herown family on the other side of the world. Malia is determined to stay.Indonesia is her home, and she loves it. Besides, if she leaves, how can shecontinue to fight for her country’s precious rainforests?Ari knows he is lucky to be going to school and competing onthe chess team, even if it means an endless round of chores at his uncle’srestaurant. Back in his home village, he and his cousin Suni dreamed aboutgetting a chance like this. But now he is here without her, and the guilt iscrushing him. As if that weren’t enough, he’s horribly worried about GingerJuice, his uncle’s orangutan. The too-small cage where she lives is clearlyhurting her body and her mind, but where else can she go? The rainforest whereshe was born is a palm oil plantation now.In Berani, Governor General’s Award finalist MichelleKadarusman spins together three perspectives: Malia, who is prepared to riskanything for her activism, Ari, who knows the right path but fears what it willcost, and Ginger Juice, the caged orangutan who still remembers the forest andher mother. The choices the young people make will have consequences forthemselves, for Ginger Juice, and for others, if they are brave enough—orreckless enough—to choose.

About the Author

MichelleKadarusman grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and also lived many yearsthroughout her father's homeland of Indonesia before moving to Canada in 2000.Her books have earned numerous nominations, including the Governor General'sLiterary Awards, the Ontario Library Association Silver Birch Awards, and theGreen Earth Book Award. Her novels include The Theory of Hummingbirds, Girlof the Southern Sea, and Music for Tigers. Her first picture book, Roomfor More, published in 2022. Michelle now lives in Toronto, Canadaand Byron Bay, Australia.