The Cricket War

A gripping story of a boy's escape from Communist Vietnam by boat, based on the author's own experience. A powerful educational tool that invites young readers to explore themes of resilience, immigration, and the real-life impact of war.

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About The Book

One boy's incredible story escaping from Communist Vietnam, based on the author's own experience.

Thọ Phạm is a typical pre-teen growing up in South Vietnam in 1980. He plays soccer and enjoys cricket fighting with his best friend. All around Thọ, people are disappearing, escaping the Communists. One day, Thọ's parents arrange for him to flee on a crowded, dilapidated boat without any family members. Thọ embarks on an incredible journey across the South China Sea. This survival story includes pirate attacks, hunger, and loneliness, but it's also a story of hope and resilience. A powerful reminder of the lengths some people will go for freedom.

Have an Impact

The Cricket War, grounded in the real-life survival and refugee journey of Thọ Phạm, offers a human lens on the challenges faced by people forced to flee and explains why organizations such as UNHCR, UNICEF, and the United Church of Canada are essential.

UNHCR provides international protection and durable solutions by registering and monitoring people at risk, advocating for their legal rights, and coordinating humanitarian responses across borders.

The United Church of Canada delivers community- based support and resettlement assistance in Canada by offering settlement services, matching volunteers and sponsors with newcomers, and connecting families to local housing, language and employment supports.

UNICEF safeguards the rights and well-being of refugee children by providing life‑saving health, nutrition, and protection services and by promoting safe learning and psychosocial support.

Canada's asylum system exists to protect people fleeing persecution and requires coordinated international and local responses to help survivors rebuild their lives. Responses from people like you.

Learn more about these organizations and discover concrete, meaningful ways to support their work so refugees can find safety, rebuild with dignity, and regain hope.

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About the Authors

Thọ Phạm

Thọ Phạm left Vietnam alone at the age of 12, joining tens of thousands of refugees on boats and ships. After a two-month-long journey at sea and landing at a refugee camp in Palawan, Philippines, he was eventually adopted by a Canadian elementary school teacher. Today, Thọ lives in Ottawa with his family.

Sandra McTavish

Sandra is an award-winning Canadian author and literacy publisher who's passionate about helping young readers discover the joy of books. She splits her time between Toronto and a farm in Madoc, Ontario, where she and her husband Doug share life with a few cows and some spirited barn cats.

With a deep love for learning and language, she brings empathy, insight, and experience to every project. Her passion for literacy and life on the farm fuels her dedication to creating meaningful stories that resonate with readers of all ages.

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