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Task #20: Read a middle grade book that doesn’t take place in the U.S. or the UK
By Book Riot · 90 posts · 1679 views
By Book Riot · 90 posts · 1679 views
last updated Dec 31, 2020 02:39PM
What Members Thought
This is a compelling and disturbing look into the life of one “child soldier.” In a calm, measured manner, Ishmael Beah tells the story of how his world is turned upside down when war comes to his small village in Sierra Leone. Actually, he and his friends are several towns away, planning to “rap” in a talent show, when the killing starts and Ishmael, his brother, and their friends are thrown into confusion. Should they go back to their town to see if their families are alive or should they keep
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I meant to read this book ages ago when it came out, but only recently checked it out. This book isn’t an easy read, and there are some nightmare inducing parts, but I am glad that I read the book. The book is written by Beah, who at the age of 13 was recruited by the army in the Sierra Leone as a soldier. Beah’s family has been killed by rebels, and he is wandering the country alone, or with other orphan boys. He feels he has no choice. The young recruits are fed a steady supply of marijuana an
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When reading this book, one must keep some distance between oneself and the narrative, to not be overwhelmed by the horrors that are described. Fortunately, the writing style helps the reader maintain this distance. Writing in a very matter of fact style, perhaps even too matter of factly, Beah describes his efforts to avoid getting pulled into the civil war in Sierra Leone and his actions when he is eventually "recruited" to join the army.
The bulk of this book is quite bleak, by necessity. But ...more
The bulk of this book is quite bleak, by necessity. But ...more
Haunting and terrible. No child should experience war - and certainly not under the weight of an AK47.
Jan 11, 2014
Jen
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I can't really express my feelings. This book is heartbreaking and gives wonderful insight into the life of a child soldier and the resiliency and strength of the human spirit to overcome unimaginable hardships. This is an important book that everyone should read.
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Nov 24, 2015
Valerie
rated it
really liked it
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