Malia, Ari and Ginger’s three distinct voices are interwoven to tell the story of Ginger Juice, an orangutan kept captive in a cage in this powerful and uplifting novel suitable for readers of The One and Only Ivan.

Malia has had a privileged upbringing in Indonesia, but now her mother wants to return to her own family on the other side of the world. Malia is determined to stay in Indonesia, her home. Besides, if she leaves, how can she fight for her country’s precious rainforests?

Ari knows he is lucky to be going to school and competing on the chess team, even if it means working long hours at his uncle’s restaurant. And he’s horribly worried about Ginger Juice, his uncle’s orangutan. The too-small cage where she lives is clearly hurting her body and her mind, but where else can she go? The rainforest where she was born is a palm oil plantation now.

The choices Malia and Ari make will have consequences for themselves, Ginger Juice and others, if they are courageous enough to choose.

A powerful story about a standing up for what you believe no matter what the cost.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Kadarusman is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning children’s author. Her novels include The Theory of Hummingbirds, Girl of the Southern Sea and Music for Tigers. She grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and has also lived in Indonesia and Canada. Her novels have earned many nominations and honours, including the Canadian Governor General’s Literary Awards, Green Earth Books Awards, White Raven Selection and USBBY Outstanding International Books. Her first picture book, Room for More, was published in 2022. She lives in Toronto, Canada, and Byron Bay, Australia.