Berani by Michelle Kadarusman and published by Allen and Unwin is an incredibly moving and inspiring eco-fiction title, recommended for readers 8-12 years. This story is set in Indonesia and is about two courageous children who are driven to release Ginger Juice, an orangutan held in captivity at Warung Malang restaurant. The commitment and the circumstances that surround these children, means that their advocacy faces many challenges and prejudices, it takes unwavering courage, especially given the possible consequences they could face determined by their decisions and actions. Three voices (in separate chapters) seamlessly weave this story together, those of Malia Kusarto, Ari Arjuna and Ginger Juice’s. This story highlights the power that an individual has to make a difference and more than that, the far-reaching ripple effect of one’s actions when they display conviction and stand up for what they believe in.
This story begins with Malia who lives in Surabaya, a city on the Indonesian island of Java, preparing a presentation for her class about deforestation and how this is causing the extinction of orangutans. As part of her presentation, Malia plans to distribute a petition to her class to protest the banning of palm-free product labels in Indonesian supermarkets. Malia’s Mum urges her to inform her teacher about her topic as she explains to Malia that it is complicated. Malia attends a private school that requires licensing and her petition goes against the government’s pro-palm oil stance. Ignoring her Mum’s advice could have dire consequences, not only for Malia, but also her teacher and any friends found to be involved. In Malia’s chapters there are references to her feeling conflicted as Malia’s Papa (who has passed away) is Indonesian and her mother is Canadian.
Ari’s parents, tenant farmers, have sent Ari away from their village to live with his uncle in the city so that he can receive an education. Ari’s uncle owns Warung Malang restaurant and it has attractions – a mynah bird called Elvis Presley and Ginger Juice, an orangutan (named after his uncle’s house speciality drink). Ari’s Uncle, a multi layered character has owned Ginger Juice since she was a baby and as Ginger Juice aged and became stronger, his uncle felt it best to keep Ginger Juice in a cage “for her own good”. Ari’s uncle said “one day she might climb over the fence and not come back. She could wander off and get run over by a truck”. Ari is responsible for cleaning the animal’s cages and his observations about Ginger Juice’s changing behaviours and seemingly deteriorating health cause him to confront his uncle about keeping Ginger Juice in a cage that is far too small for her. Ari has to make a choice, does he defy his uncle and save Ginger Juice, which he highly suspects could potentially mean forgoing his education and possibly returning to his village?
Ginger Juice’s chapters explore her story, she reminisces about her life with her mother, Ibu, she details her harrowing capture, her observations about humans and her heart breaking physical and mental decline because she is held in captivity. These chapters are confronting, however written in an accessible way for readers in middle to upper primary school.
This book takes the reader on a sensory exploration of the tastes, sights and smells of Indonesia. The reader also gains an insight into political and cultural influences as well as the economic disparity that exists in Indonesia. This story is a wonderful gateway to many discussions centring on moral dilemmas.
At the end of the story is a glossary, further facts and information about orangutans, information about ways readers can help and an author’s note explaining that this story was inspired by a childhood experience Michelle and her brother shared where they did help rescue an orangutan that had been held captive in a cage at a restaurant in the village of Malang.
Michelle has written other highly praised books including The Theory of Hummingbirds and Girl of the Southern Sea.