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A review by jennifermreads
Soldier Boy by Keely Hutton
4.0
Received advanced reader copy from publisher via Baker & Taylor book supplier
Ricky Anywar is kidnapped in 1989 and made to fight in the Ugandan Civil War. He tries to survive among the abuse, brutality, and inevitable anguish of war but he never stops dreaming of escape.
The portion of this book that is about Ricky is based on a real-life account. Inserted in between various chapters about Ricky are chapters about Samuel, a fictional character who represents the many children that Ricky now helps rehabilitate through his charity. I wonder if the brutality, though present, was dialed back a bit because it is a “young adult” book. Sometimes, it had that “holding back” feel when various scenes played out.
This is a story to read and share. I had a friend ask why on earth I would read something so depressing. She said she wanted to spend her reading time among happy stories with happy endings. I can understand that sentiment. But I often read to learn. And this book was a true lesson. I learned about a war I had previously known nothing about. I had my eyes opened further about the atrocities child soldiers encounter. And I felt helpless when I got to the end, wondering what I could do to help encourage change. I hope the finished copy has some resources to lead readers wishing to do something after reading. At the very least, information should be provided about Ricky’s charity.
Place this into the hands of a teen in your life. Start a discussion. Spread the knowledge. Encourage activism. Hope for peace.
Ricky Anywar is kidnapped in 1989 and made to fight in the Ugandan Civil War. He tries to survive among the abuse, brutality, and inevitable anguish of war but he never stops dreaming of escape.
The portion of this book that is about Ricky is based on a real-life account. Inserted in between various chapters about Ricky are chapters about Samuel, a fictional character who represents the many children that Ricky now helps rehabilitate through his charity. I wonder if the brutality, though present, was dialed back a bit because it is a “young adult” book. Sometimes, it had that “holding back” feel when various scenes played out.
This is a story to read and share. I had a friend ask why on earth I would read something so depressing. She said she wanted to spend her reading time among happy stories with happy endings. I can understand that sentiment. But I often read to learn. And this book was a true lesson. I learned about a war I had previously known nothing about. I had my eyes opened further about the atrocities child soldiers encounter. And I felt helpless when I got to the end, wondering what I could do to help encourage change. I hope the finished copy has some resources to lead readers wishing to do something after reading. At the very least, information should be provided about Ricky’s charity.
Place this into the hands of a teen in your life. Start a discussion. Spread the knowledge. Encourage activism. Hope for peace.