A 2021 Newbery Honor Book A boy on the run.
She now lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two children..
She is the author of many books for young readers, including The Blunders, illustrated by Colin Jack.
About author(s): Christina Soontornvat grew up in a small Texas town where she spent many childhood days behind the counter of her parents\' Thai restaurant with her nose in a book.
Set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world, Christina Soontornvat \'s twist on Victor Hugo\'s Les Misérables is a dazzling, fast-paced adventure that explores the difference between law and justice -- and asks whether one child can shine a light in the dark.
But as Nok hunts Pong through the alleys and canals of Chattana, she uncovers secrets that make her question the truths she has always held dear.
Nok, the prison warden\'s perfect daughter, is bent on tracking Pong down and restoring her family\'s good name.
Worst of all, Pong\'s prison tattoo marks him as a fugitive who can never be truly free.
The wealthy dine and dance under bright orb light, while the poor toil away in darkness.
But when Pong escapes from prison, he realizes that the world outside is no fairer than the one behind bars.
For Pong, who was born in Namwon Prison, the magical lights represent freedom, and he dreams of the day he will be able to walk among them.
All light in Chattana is created by one man -- the Governor, who appeared after the Great Fire to bring peace and order to the city.
A compelling fantasy looks at issues of privilege, protest, and justice.
A girl determined to find him.
A 2021 Newbery Honor Book A boy on the run
