Nguyen Quang Phung

"This is no ordinary first journey. The rainy season has come to the Mekong Delta, and An, a young Vietnamese boy, sets out alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar. On the way, he is confronted by giant crested waves, heavy rainfall and eerie forests where fear takes hold of him. Although daunted by the dark unknown, An realizes that he is not alone and continues to paddle. He knows it will all be worth it...

Long ago, my grandfather came to this new land. He pushed our tiny boat along the surface of the water, gentle as a lullaby, gentle as the waves kissing the shore of our new home. Before it became his home, the jungle was the land--full of awe-inspiring animals, lush trees, and endless water. Still, Ti feared the unknown. He didn't feel brave or capable, but Grandfather stood by his side, reminding him that the world around them is big, wonderful,...