A Million Shades of Gray, Cynthia Kadohata. The year is 1975, the Americans have pulled out of Viet Nam and the Viet Cong have entered a small village in the Central Highlands, taking the villagers hostage; although, many of them were able to escape, including Y'Tin's parents and sisters. Thirteen-year old Y'Tin, the best elephant handler around, turned back toward the village because he thought he saw his little sister, Jujubee, sitting on the fence. He became one of the hostages forced to help dig the grave that would soon hold all those that perished at the hands of the North Vietnamese. Before the village was set ablaze, Y'Tin was able to escape and find his elephant, Lady,  in the jungle, along with childhood friends, soon to be ex-friends, Y'Juen and Tomas. Together, they forged ahead looking for their lost families, hoping to find them alive. They chance across a herd of wild elephants and Lady becomes agitated untl Y'Tin is able to win her back. The boys' families are found; however, Y'Tin learns that the commander wants to eat the expecting Lady and two other village elephants for sustenance. Y'Tin must make a decision to save her life.

Cynthia Kadohata is an award winning author (Kira Kira) and again writes a touching story that brings students in touch with another culture to see the devastation of a war torn country. It is a well written story that has you traveling with Y'Tin through the jungles of Viet Nam and gaining a fondness for Lady.