Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen

Mortenson, G., & Relin, D. O. (2007). Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time. (p. 368). Penguin (Non-Classics).

ISBN: 0143038257

Classification: book, nonfiction

Genre: nonfiction

Age Level: 11th-12th grade

Subjects: adult crossover, current events, nonfiction, school, war

Reader's Annotation: Greg Mortensen raises money to build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan in an effort to promote peace.

Summary: Greg Mortensen set out to climb K2 to honor the memory of his sister who had died of epilepsy. He didn't make the summit. He became ill and ended up spending seven weeks sick and dejected in a small Pakistani village. When he recovered, he vowed to return to Korphe and build them a school to show his gratitude for their kindness. After a great deal of struggle, Mortensen raised the money, bought supplies and managed (through several small miracles) to get to Korphe. The villagers were excited to see him, but said what they really needed, instead of a school, was a bridge. This is only the first in a series of cultural hurdles that Mortensen and his saviors in Korphe jumped over together. Mortensen and his foundation have since built dozens of schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, with a particular focus on schools for young girls. By helping develop education in the heart of Taliban territory, Mortensen is spreading a message of peace and goodwill in return for the care he received from the villagers of Korphe.

Reviews / Awards:

NPR review

Author Info:
Greg Mortensen's Webpage

Potential Hotspots:

war, bombings

Readalikes:

• Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
  
• The Freedom Writer's Diary by Freedom Writers
  

Why it belongs in a YA collection:
While this is certainly a book most libraries will have in their adult collection, it is a great title for older teens. The story of one man working for change will likely ring true for teens who want to make a difference in the world. Most high school cirriculum will include discussion of Pakistan and Afghanistan, and this book talks about real people struggling to lead normal lives in the midst of the Taliban. The writing style is easy enough to follow, but it is really the passion for his work that Mortensen displays that will speak to teens, as much as it does to adults.

Other:

Three Cups of Tea Website

Evaluation:

5 stars