Child Soldier: When boys and girls are used in war - Softcover

Humphreys, Jessica Dee; Chikwanine, Michel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1445145650 ISBN 13: 9781445145655

Publisher: Franklin Watts, 2016

Synopsis

Michel Chikwanine was only five-years-old when he was abducted from outside his school by rebel soldiers in The Democratic Republic of Congo. Child Soldier tells the story of his happy life before the abduction, his time with the rebel militia, his escape from their clutches and finally the worsening situation and growing unrest for Michel and his family and his eventual immigration to Canada with his mother.

Despite his young age, Michel never gives up. It is his resilience and courage that helped him to stay alive during his time with the rebels. This is a legacy from his father, whose sense of compassion and integrity drove Michel to reject the rebels attempts to instil violence and hate, and have shaped Michel into the person he is today.

As a young man, Michel now travels the world to inspire others to believe that their actions can make a difference. He is an accomplished public speaker and someone who's voice and story resonates with people all over the globe.

Thankfully most children will never experience the brutal reality of being forced to take part in armed conflicts, in whatever role is imposed on them. But Michel's story serves as a reminder of how close to home this ongoing issue is. Africa may feel far away to a child living in the UK, but the reality is that young people in gangs across the world, who are made to commit crimes for adult leaders have more in common with Michel than they may realise. This book also examines in general how and why adults use children as expendable pawns in conflicts and provides the reader with advice on further information and what they can do to get involved.

This book is aimed at children aged 10+, however it does contain some images that some readers may find difficult or distressing. The cartoon / graphic novel style of the book does contain images of violence, including guns, knives, dead bodies and other explicit scenes.

About this title

About the Author

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Michel Chikwanine has experienced civil war, political upheaval and poverty, emerging as an individual wise beyond his years. Forced by these circumstances to leave his home country at the age of 11 as a refugee, Michel has since traveled to 35 African countries, witnessing firsthand the problems faced by the developing world, but also the beauty of the communities and people who live there.@michelchikwan

Jessica Dee Humphreys writes books about things that matter to young people (and grown-ups). Jessie lives with her husband and their little boy in a big city most of the time.?But sometimes they live on a tiny island near the woods, where Jessie rereads To Kill a Mockingbird every summer, lying in a hammock.

Graphic designer and children's illustrator Claudia Dávila was born in Chile and now makes her home in Toronto. She was formerly the art director of Chirp and Chickadee magazines.

Review

An enlightening, accessible, and, above all, child-friendly introduction to the issue.―School Library Journal, Starred Review

The narration includes enough history of the Congo to give context to the personal story, while the back matter provides more information about child soldiers.―Booklist

Graphic in format but not detail ...The visual element gives this memoir particular immediacy for audiences who "don't understand what is happening right now, to kids just like them."―Kirkus Reviews

An unforgettable book that provides factual information about civil wars and especially child soldiers.―Resource Links

... Child Soldier conveys Michel's horrific experience with sensitivity, insight, and skill ... also providing readers with relevant information about the geography and history of the country.―Quill & Quire, Starred Review

... the direct first-person narration lays bare the boy's confusion and pain ...[while] Dávila's panel sequences temper the story's atrocities ...―Publishers Weekly

... an eye-opening and heartbreaking account of Chikwanine's kidnapping at the age of five.―Quill & Quire

About this edition

• Publisher: Franklin Watts
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1445145650
• ISBN 13: 9781445145655
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 48