The Boy Who Speaks in Numbers by Mike Masilamani; illustrated by Matthew Frame (Tara Books, 2015). An unnamed boy, obsessed with numbers, must not only navigate war torn Sri Lanka, but also the cast of characters and talking animals occupying the refugee camp where he lives. At the heart of this fantastical and often humorous tale is a story about resistance and dealing with the tragedy of a country ripped apart by civil war. The amazing illustrations are dark and rough, which expertly reflect the horrors of the story. (Grades 8 and up).
Award Status: Honorable Mention
Author: Mike Masilamani
Illustrator: Matthew Frame
Read more and purchase on the publisher’s website.