Buck, The Promise chronicles a band of Chinese soldiers who are sent to rescue a British-American platoon, pinned down in Burma, while the Japanese army attacks Burma Road during World War II. The dangers that await the brave soldiers are heightened, as they encounter unthankfulness and ingratitude from the foreign soldiers that they hadn't expected. Confronted with an impending attack from the Japanese, growing tension from the Anglo-American forces, the Chinese soldiers must make a difficult choice: abandon their posts or continue on with a suicidal mission.

    Welch's keen observations - of his tortured relationship with his distant father, and the colonial milieu of pre-war China - dominate this painfully honest narrative. Exact Change's publication of Maiden Voyage marks the bringing back into print of all three of Denton Welch's novels, a cause for celebration among the growing number of fans who have embraced his beautiful and courageous writing.

    For ages 4-8.