The Clay Marble by Minfong Ho is widely praised for its poignant depiction of the Cambodian civil war through the eyes of a young girl. Reviewers commend Ho's evocative storytelling and sensitive portrayal of historical trauma. However, some critics find the pacing slow and character development uneven. Overall, it's lauded for its emotional depth and educational value.

A reader who would enjoy The Clay Marble by Minfong Ho likely appreciates historical fiction and stories of resilience in the face of adversity. Fans of Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai or A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park will find its poignant narrative and strong, young protagonist equally compelling.

The Clay Marble by Minfong Ho is a 1991 YA novel set in Cambodia around 1980, following twelve-year-old Dara and her family as they navigate the challenges of post-Khmer Rouge rule. Dara befriends Jantu in a refugee camp, and as their families attempt to rebuild their lives, a series of events force Dara to find her inner strength and courage to ensure their survival and future. This book includes graphic descriptions of an injured baby and the shooting death of a teenager.

Emotional / Challenging / Inspirational / Heartwarming / Hopeful

- The author, Minfong Ho, drew from her own experiences working in refugee camps in Thailand when writing The Clay Marble, which lends authenticity to the novel's setting and themes.
- The Clay Marble is often praised for its detailed and sensitive portrayal of the Cambodian refugee experience, providing insight into the resilience and adaptability of children during times of conflict.
- Minfong Ho is a celebrated author who has received several literary awards, including the Southeast Asian Writers Award, for her contributions to literature with works like The Clay Marble.

**Dara**  
A twelve-year-old girl who is the protagonist and narrator, having recently escaped Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime. She initially lacks self-confidence but gradually discovers her inner strength.

**Jantu**  
A gifted and imaginative thirteen-year-old orphan who becomes Dara’s friend and inspires her to recognize her potential. Known for her talent in storytelling and crafting toys from clay.

**Sarun**  
Dara’s eighteen-year-old brother who initially supports their family but is increasingly drawn to the military culture, impacting his relationship with his family.

**Chnay**  
An orphaned boy in the refugee camp known for his bullying behavior, but who later reveals a kinder side and assists Dara in finding her family.

Minfong Ho

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Clay Marble reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Clay Marble | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Clay Marble and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Clay Marble Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Clay Marble Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

The Clay Marble Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

The Clay Marble Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

The Clay Marble Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-16

The Clay Marble Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 17-Afterword

The Clay Marble Chapter 17-Afterword Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Clay Marble Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Clay Marble Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Clay Marble Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Clay Marble Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Clay Marble Essay Topics

Introduction

The Clay Marble Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

The Clay Marble Before Reading

During Reading

The Clay Marble During Reading

After Reading

The Clay Marble After Reading

The Clay Marble

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Clay Marble?

Reading Age

Book Details