At age five, in 1993, Michel Chikwanine was kidnapped from his schoolyard soccer game in the Democratic Republic of Congo and forced to become a child soldier for a brutal rebel militia. He managed to escape, find his family, and emigrate to Canada at age eleven, where his teacher encouraged him to share what happened to him in order to raise awareness about child soldiers around the world. He has since traveled to 35 African countries and become an activist. The story is told in first person in graphic novel format, with earthy-tone illustrations that are gentle and child-friendly. A map and a bit of history help readers understand Michel’s experience. This true story concludes with a photograph and more information about Michel, facts about child soldiers, what is being done to help, and a list of primary sources for further research. This book is part of the CitizenKid series of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to make a difference locally and globally. mjw
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Title: Child Soldier: When Boys And Girls Are Used In War
Author: Jessica Dee Humphreys and Michel Chikwanine
Illustrator: Claudia Davila
Publisher: CitizenKid, Kids Can Press Ltd.
Copyright: 2015
Original Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-77138-126-0
Hardcover pages: 48
Age range: 8-14
Genre: Information Book, Nonfiction, Graphic Novel
Book setting: Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa
Author’s ethnicity: Chikwanine – Born in Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa
Author’s residence: Chikwanine – Toronto, Canada. Humphrey – Toronto, Canada
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Born in Chile
Illustrator’s residence: Toronto, Canada
Subjects: Autobiography, Children and war, Comic books, Conflict and change, Global awareness, Social justice. |