Kimmel, E.C. (2009). Boy on the Lion Throne: The Childhood of the 14th Dalai Lama. New York: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN: 9781596433946
· Plot Summary
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was not yet three when monks in search of their next spiritual leader came to his village, and visited his parents. Lhamo Thondup was the child of peasants, but the party had been searching for almost four years by the time they located him, and within a few minutes he had gained enough of their interest (based on a series of tests) for them to be confident he was the boy they sought. Takes to the Kumbum monastery, where he would remain for almost a year, it then became necessary for him to be transported to the Holy City of Lhasa. Khundun, as he would come to be known, was enthroned on February 22, 1940. Everyone who encountered him considered Khundun to be composed and self-confident, and he remained tireless through ceremony after ceremony. Served first in all things, living in grand (if dusty and dark) apartments, and dressed in the most opulent robes available, Khundun's existence had evolved to that of a god-king. The throne upon which he sat, and from which the text derives its name, is built from directions given in sacred Buddhist scripture. Eight lions flank the chair, which is carved of wood, but covered in an overlay of gold and adorned with gemstones. The Great Father and Mother, as Khundun's parents were now known, were likewise given stables of horses, opulent clothing, and gifts of the most expensive variety. Diki, Khundun's mother, received these gifts, but continued to wear her simple clothing. Khundun was given two tutors, and by July of 1941 he began his schedule of monastic education. In 1947, Khundun's father died after an extensive period of illness, and it is believed that he was probably poisoned. Thus began in earnest the series of intrigues and plots that plague the Dalai Lama to this day. China had originally invaded Tibet in 1910, but due to being invaded by Japan in 1937, had put on hold their plans to make Tibet a Chinese province. Despite the inauguration of the Communist People's Republic of China, the earthquake that shook Tibet in 1950, and the invasion of 20,000 troops in Tibet, His Holiness did not flee the country until the Oracle of Nechung instructed him to do so.
· Critical Evaluation
Kimmel's work is a creative blend of simple facts, and insights into the personality of her subject, the Dalai Lama. The text, while serious in many areas, never drags the reader down into a quagmire so that it is hard to follow or depressing enough to put down.
· Reader’s Annotation
An account of the early years of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. An interesting reference text for tweens.
· Information about the Author
Although she lives in the Hudson River Valley, Elizabeth Cody Kimmel has long followed the life of the Dalai Lama, and the events effecting Tibetan Buddhism. She has also attended lectures given by His Holiness and participated in meditation retreats. A portion of the sales of this text are donated to Tibet Aid.
· Genre
Non-Fiction
Biography
· Curriculum Ties
History
Political Science
Religion
· Booktalking Ideas
The history of Tibet, and the Communist Party.
His Holiness as a world spiritual leader.
· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-8/Ages 11-13
· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
Although I knew some of his story, I wanted more information on the events leading up to the Dalai Lama's exile in India.
