Barefoot in Fire : A World War II Childhood

by Barbara Ann Gamboa-Lewis

Read the Powerful True Story of a Young Girl Growing Up In Manila in the early 1940’s Pooh hunched over the dictionary looking for the perfect name to call herself. She founded it under -Barbara, meaning foreign, strange. It was the right name for a feisty, smart, fiercely independent girl growing up bi-racial and poor in war torn Manila. Join Pooh in her adventures, whether it’s chasing after wild ducks, foiling a chicken thief, playing with her own makeshift airplane, or having the pluck to play violin for a very sad Japanese officer. Barbara Ann Gamboa-Lewis gives an unflinching, candid portrayal of her pre-teen years set against the backdrop of a war that tested to the edge the wills of men, women and children alike. Barbara Pollacks charming drawings perfectly capture the highs and lows of Lewis’s unforgettable childhood. Although World War II happened a long time ago, today’s readers will identify with Pooh as she struggles between right and wrong, joy and sadness, obedience and rebellion.

Genres: Nonfiction

207 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Ti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for my literature class, and was sort of iffy about it once I found out it was written for children ages 9 and up. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the novel!!! It was so simple and straightforward, and I really like how the author chose seemingly trivial moments to share. It made me feel nostalgic towards my own childhood, albeit lived in entirely different environments. It made me remember what it was like to be daring and unworried, and it was really wonderful, being able to see myself as a young girl again. University has been so demanding and this was definitely a breath of fresh air. The innocence, subtle humor, and absolute Filipino-ness of the book made it feel infinitely more comforting. A good read! A very good reminder also that the war was very much real and difficult for those who have lived to witness and experience it, even from the sidelines.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved visiting the Philippines through Barbara-Ann Gamboa Lewis' enchanting prose. This is not a western novel. Though there is plenty of tension, there is no big goal for the protagonist. I found this completely refreshing.

Another solid Middle-Grade novel that I would recommend to anyone who is curious how it was on the other side of the Pacific during the war.

[solace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it. I read it to help my cousin in her book report. Pooh is a very smart girl. Also, I finally read a book that tackled war occurrence in PH. It is really a nice collection of events. Filipino's resiliency is really something.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great much needed book about growing up in the Philippines during Japanese occupation. Especially for adult children and grandchildren who want to understand what their grandparents childhood was like, this was perfect.

[Nadine Bautista · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️: 4.5/5

[Khonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy and enjoyable read about the author's wartime childhood in the Philippines.

[yana · Rating 4 out of 5]

despite life in a war-torn philippines, the semantics of childhood and philippine identity remains

[Nikki]

I liked it.

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

read my review on Number The Stars. but I'd say this is more interesting.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can appreciate the story. What happen in the war, Filipino suffers to it especially the children. It really amaze me.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tremendously enjoyed this book. I read it because eventually I wanted to read it to my children and I thought it best to read it first. I didn’t expect to enjoy it. ;) But I appreciate the childlike tone and perspective this book was written when the surrounding circumstances were not innocent. As someone now living in Manila I appreciated the little insight into history here. Enjoyable and looking forward to reading to my sons.