Lat

Gentle, pleasant and very funny autobiographical account of growing up in a small town in the northern tin-mining areas of Malaysia, by one of Asia's foremost cartoonists.

Lat takes us on a journey of his childhood growing up in the Kitna Valley in Perak in the 1950’s. Lat is master storyteller as he takes us down the wandering path of his memories showing us the ceremonies that were still practiced--such as asking the local teacher to take on students, the feeling of swimming in a river as the cool water washes over you, and the warmth and somewhat craziness of family--like the dad that takes off his shirt to scratch his back on the pole when he gets home show more from work, caring for siblings, and the discussions of future. But the modern world is gradually approaching with tin dredges and trains and automobiles. And Lat is about to head off to school in another town away from his family.

This book is done in a sketchbook style, with written descriptions of the events and illustrations accompanying them. The deceptively simple illustrations are compelling and catch that slice of life that seem to be missing in many modern comics. He doesn’t hesitate to illustrate what life was really like growing up for him, even if it means depicting his own backside as he and his friends strip down to take a swim in the river. Most importantly even though Lat illustrates how things are different in his world, there is much that is similar to our own way of life. The time spent with family and friends, the time spent at school..the more things seem to be different the more there is that is the same.

I highly recommend this book and it's sequel (Town Boy) to anyone and everyone, but particularly to the younger generation. Not just as a chance to illustrate the differences between cultures, but a chance to illustrate the similarities between them. show less

Slightly lesser followup to the author's "The Kampung Boy," this takes the author's life though his later school years, where he deals with love/crushes, cinema, and moving to a larger town.

Lat has the ability to draw and tell a very simple tale in the most profound and moving way. American readers will see much that resonates with American teens in this Malaysian coming of age story: parents who do not like loud music, obsession with breasts, the struggle to find artistic expression (often in the face of academic discouragement), the social awkwardness (notice the boys and girls at the dance), trying to find a girlfriend, friends drifting apart, and more. Readers also show more experience vast differences, both historical and cultural, in this Malaysian community. Along the way, Lat spices the pages with just the right amount of political commentary. I nominated Lat’s Kampung Boy (also by First Second) for BBYA last year; I am happy to vote yes on this title because it is even more accessible to teens, even those not necessarily in love with the graphic format. I am only sorry that someone beat me to this nomination this year. Perfect for both middle school and high school libraries! show less