Across the Dark Sea, by Wendy Orr

Trung's family is tragically separated during their attempt to escape to a new country. A raid by soldiers means that only Trung and his father make it onto the boat headed for freedom. Trung's mother and little sister are left behind in Vietnam. Trung's journey, in the hull of a crowded fishing boat, is fraught with danger and full of loneliness. His estranged father is too sad and desperate to offer much comfort.

Even when Trung arrives in Australia, his difficult journey continues. He has to contend with strange foods, streets, buildings and a new language. He begins school but feels alienated from the other students and staff. He is left alone with many hours to fill.

And throughout his journey he desperately misses his mother and sister in Vietnam. He writes them letters at first in his head and then on paper but a reply does not arrive.

Trung starts to develop a friendship with Andrew, who is also grieving the loss of his home. And, finally, one day a letter arrives from his mother in Vietnam. Trung's dark journey does not end, but he begins to hope again.

• Why did Trung and Ba get separated from Ma and Mai? How does Trung feel about the separation?
• What challenges does Trung face during the boat journey? How do you think he felt during this time?
• Why is Ba so sad? How does Trung feel about Ba? Do Trung's feelings toward his father change during the story?
• What was Trung's cricket cage in Vietnam used for? Why do you think this cage is so important to Trung?
• Why does Andrew dislike Melbourne? What do Trung and Andrew have in common? Why does Andrew tease Trung?
• Why do you think this book was called Across the Dark Sea? Do you like this title? Can you think of another title for the story?
• Look carefully at the illustrations Donna Rawlins has created for Across the Dark Sea. How do they help to tell the story? How do they make you feel?
• Was the end of this story sad, happy, or both?

> Interactive on the journey of the Hong Hai
(requires Flash version 6, see link below)
> Classroom activities
> Purchase book