The House of Sixty Fathers
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| The House of Sixty Fathers | |
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| Author | Meindert DeJong |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Maurice Sendak |
| Cover artist | Maurice Sendak |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Harper |
| Publication date | 1956 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| ISBN | ISBN 0060214813 |
The House of Sixty Fathers is a children's novel by Meindert DeJong first published in 1956. Illustrations were provided by Maurice Sendak.
The book won the Josette Frank Award (then named the Children's Book Award of the Child Study Association) in 1956. It was also named a Newbery Honor Book, won the Hans Christian Andersen Award, and was named an ALA Notable Children's Bookâall in 1957.
[edit] Plot summary
The story is set during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Japan has invaded China, and troops are now threatening the small, poor village of Hengyang where young Tien Pao and his family live. Disobeying his father, Tien Pao climbs into the family's sampan along with three ducklings and the family pig, named Glory of the Republic. During a Japanese attack on the village, the sampan breaks loose from its moorings. Tien Pao is swept down the river. He throws the ducklings in the raging waters. When he finally is able to reach land again, he must travel over high mountains and through thick forest to reach his home again.
As he journeys home, Tien Pao begins to starve and suffer from exhaustion. He witnesses terrifying scenes of violence: Once, he sees planes strafe a Japanese military convoy. Later, he is befriended by an old woman in a village, who feeds him. The Japanese attack the village. When the old woman tries to seize Glory of the Republic, Tien Pao must fight the woman who saved his life.
Tien Pao eventually comes upon an injured American pilot who had been shot down over the forest. Tien Pao helps the man return to his unit. The American pilot is a member of the Flying Tigers, and the sixty men in the unit become the "sixty fathers" who care for Tien Pao. Eventually, Tien Pao is reunited with his family, Glory of the Republic still in tow.
