CM Magazine, University of Manitoba, Canada
Volume XV, Number 11
Jan 23 2009
Book Review: Call Me Aram
Call Me Aram. (New Beginnings).
Marsha Skrypuch. Illustrated by Muriel Wood.
Markham, ON: Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2009.
88 pp., pbk. & hc., $10.95 (pbk.), $16.95 (hc.).
ISBN 978-1-55455-001-2 (pbk.),
ISBN 978-1-55455-000-5 (hc.).
Subject Headings:
Armenian massacres, 195-1923-Turkey-Juvenile fiction.
Orphans-Juvenile fiction.
Grades 3-5 / Ages 8-10.
Review by Jane Bridle.
*** /4
Reviewed from f&g’s.
excerpt:
Aram tried to make sense of his new life. He could tell that Reverend
Edwards and his wife wanted the best for every single boy in their
charge. Aram was grateful for the food that they gave him. He was
thankful to be in Canada, where he was safe. But at the same time, he
felt empty and sad. He longed for a hug from his Grandmother, and he
missed Mgredich’s grin. Here, there were no adults who could speak
their language, and there was so much that Aram needed to find out.
In this sequel to Aram’s Choice, Aram Davidian, one of 50 child
refugees from the 1923 Armenian genocide, arrives in Canada at an
orphanage in Georgetown, Ontario. Aram’s Choice, an historical chapter
book for "newly independent readers" in the "New Beginnings" series by
Fitzhenry and Whiteside, recounted the journey from Corfu. Call Me
Aram relates the difficulties of adjusting to life in Canada. Aram is
relieved to have escaped the hunger and uncertainty, but he faces many
new fears and contradictory emotions. Even adjusting to new foods,
such as porridge, is juxtaposed with the memories of a traditional
Armenian breakfast. While Aram appreciates the kindness of his
Canadian hosts, he is confused when they call him David Adams. He
learns that he and the other boys were assigned Canadian names. Their
sponsors believed that the anglicized names were easier to pronounce
and would help the boys adjust to new life in Canada, hence the title
Call Me Aram.
Call Me Aram is a good choice for spearheading discussions about
the trials of new Canadians. The book provides a realistic portrayal
of the homesickness, difficulties with language and other problems
faced by displaced immigrants. The theme of maintaining a cultural
identity, even when harboured by well-meaning sponsors, is explored.
As in Aram’s Choice, Muriel Wood’s luminous illustrations help to
clarify the text. Unfamiliar items, such as a Canadian wood stove and
an Armenian ojak or cooking hearth, are illustrated on a double page
spread. The font is easy to read, and the book is designed to be
comfortable to hold by small hands.
Historical notes at the end of the book along with reproductions
of photographs of the Georgetown Boys complement Skrypuch’s narrative
and lend authenticity to the story. A selective bibliography of books,
films and websites is appended. There is also a glossary and index.
Aram’s Choice was shortlisted for CLA Book of the Year Award
2007, Silver Birch Express Award, 2007, Golden Oak Award 2008 and won
a Resource Links Best Book Award in 2006. The sequel, Call Me Aram, is
a compelling story with a satisfying conclusion about a little know
event in Canadian history.
Recommended.
Jane Bridle is a librarian at the Winnipeg Public Library in Winnipeg, MB.