In comparison, how are the characters in this novel able to relate to others in other countries, such as the U.S? What similarities are present and what are not?

There are so many answers to this question it would be impossible to tackle it in a short answer forum. Similarities~ children born to different circumstances, prejudice built upon differences in family structure or finances; competition, abuse, acquisition of wants, gang warfare, difficulties in meeting needs. Each of these things are universal and experienced worldwide. Children in the United States may not live in the midst of war, but there are children in the United States who live in areas that are unsafe and divided, areas that could in fact be defined as wartorn.

For more information you might want to link gradesaver's themes for this novel. They will help you detail important ideas.