The Philippines, 100 years ago. A boy called Samkad wants to become a man. He is desperate to be given his own shield, spear and axe. His best friend, Luki, wants to be a warrior too - but she is a girl and that is forbidden. Then a new boy arrives in the village and everything changes. He brings news that a people called 'Americans' are bringing war right to his home . . .
Candy Gourlay is of Philippino heritage, and was a journalist before becoming an author. Her previous book SHINE was nominated for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2014. It won the Crystal Kite Prize for Europe 2014 - Candy's debut novel TALL STORY also won the Crystal Kite in 2011. TALL STORY was also nominated for the Carnegie Medal and shortlisted for 13 awards including the Blue Peter Prize, the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the Branford Boase.
