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“…this is a searing, graphically charged novel, told alternately by Nopi and Lucky, with several historical and pivotal stories incorporated into the narrative.” –School Library Journal

Son of a Gun

Written by Anne de Graaf
Published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

I was crazy. Crazy mad. That’s how I felt when I turned in my AK-47 rifle. The commanding officer’s growl still haunts me: “This gun is your god. You listen to the voice of your god and go where your gun tells you. This powerful and gripping story describes the journey of a brother and sister, eight-year-old Lucky and ten-year- old Nopi, who are kidnapped from school and forced to become child soldiers in Liberia’s fourteen-year-long civil war. Lucky and Nopi manage to escape, but must continue fleeing. Even after they are reunited with their parents, they both know the pieces of their lives will never fit together like they used to. When will the war really be over, and when will they get to have the childhood they still dream about? This sensitive and compelling narrative is based on true stories of former child soldiers interviewed by the author.

Primary ISBN:
Available As: Paperback
Chapter Book, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , ,

Setting: Liberia

Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: In Home Country

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