Call Me Aram.

Call Me Aram

written by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

illustrated by Muriel Wood

Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2009

9781554550012 (pc) $10.95

9781554550005 (hc) $16.95

for Grades 2 to 5

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Juvenile Fiction--History--Georgetown, Ontario

Call Me Aram is the sequel to Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch's Aram's Choice.

The first book was shortlisted in 2007 for the Canadian Library Association's Book of the Year for Children Award, the Silver Birch Express Award and the Golden Oak Award.

In Aram's Choice, readers were introduced to Aram Davidian who struggled with a life-changing decision: stay with his grandmother in Corfu, Greece or immigrate to Canada in the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide. Aram chose to make Georgetown, Ontario his new home.

Call Me Aram chronicles the journey of Aram and his friends as they adapt to the Canadian way of life. Daily Canadian customs are foreign to them and made even more difficult to understand by the Armenian/English language barrier. For Aram, the appearance of a camera is akin to a weapon and its flash synonymous with a "trigger being pulled." Even more disheartening is the prospect of Aram having to accept a Canadian name. He and his fellow refugees must gather the courage to voice their desire to keep what is left of their Armenian heritage.

Teachers and librarians can use Call Me Aram to demonstrate the obstacles faced by new immigrants as well as Canada's first international relief efforts. Muriel Wood's simple illustrations do not attempt to overshadow the story, but instead echo the tone and highlight pivotal moments in Aram's journey. Though the pacing leaves the reader weary at certain times, Aram's struggle to do what he believes is right will resonate with readers of all ages.

Inderjit Deogun is currently pursuing a career in publishing with a particular interest in children's literature.