Description
The unforgettable novel about one child soldier鈥檚 struggle with friendship, courage, and resilience.
Jacob is a 14-year-old Ugandan who is sent away to a boys鈥� school. Once there, he assures his friend Tony that they need not be afraid鈥攖hey will be safe. But not long after, in the shadow of the night, the boys are abducted. Marched into the jungle, they are brought to an encampment of the feared rebel soldiers. Told that they must kill or be killed, the boys are thrust into a terrifying struggle to endure and survive.
In time, the boys escape. Hunted by the rebels, stalked by a lion, and even pursued by river crocs, they miraculously succeed in reaching safety; however, it is no longer enough. Jacob鈥檚 adventures force him to confront evil, victimization, and the dark side of human nature, but also teach him about loyalty, friendship, and the true meaning of family.
Daniel Lafrance鈥檚 striking artwork and the poignant, powerful text capture the very essence of life as a child soldier. Readers will never forget the experiences of this young boy struggling to survive, unsure who to trust, afraid of succumbing to madness, and above all, desperate to get to freedom. In the end, Jacob engineers a daring escape.
This graphic novel is based on the acclaimed novel of the same title, winner of a 2009 Arthur Ellis award. The author spent time in Uganda and based this story on real-life accounts of the horrors inflicted on child soldiers and their victims. This is a story of unthinkable violence, but also one of hope, courage, friendship, and family.
Awards
- Joint winner, USBBY Outstanding International Book Honor List 2014
- Short-listed, Cybils Award 2014
- Joint winner, Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, YALSA 2014
- Joint winner, Best Books for Kids and Teens, starred selection, Canadian Children鈥檚 Book Centre 2014
- Long-listed, Stellar Book Award 2014
- Joint winner, Great Graphic Novels for Teens List, Top Ten YALSA 2014
- Joint winner, Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers, YALSA 2014
- Winner, Independent Publisher Book Award, Gold 2014
- Long-listed, Eisner Award, Best Graphic Novel 2014
- Short-listed, Book of the Year Award, Foreword Reviews 2014
- Joint winner, Maverick Graphic Novel List, Texas Library Association 2014
Reviews
鈥淎 truly important work that is well worth the read.鈥�
- School Library Journal, *starred review, 03/13
鈥淎s upsetting as this story is鈥攁ll the more for its basis in the ongoing reality for children still conscripted into the LRA鈥擬cKay doesn鈥檛 leave readers without a sense of hope.鈥�
- Publishers Weekly, *starred review, 04/29/13
鈥淎 challenging, uncompromising work and, in its graphic form, a beautiful treatment of stark ugliness.鈥�
- Quill and Quire, *starred review, 02/21/13
鈥淧owerful storytelling based on documented experiences . . . it鈥檚 as relevant as ever.鈥�
- Kirkus, 02/13
鈥淧owerful storytelling based on documented experiences . . . it鈥檚 as relevant as ever.鈥�
- Kirkus, 02/13
鈥淗is story has haunted me for weeks.鈥�
- School Library Journal, Reaching Reluctant Readers, 03/13
鈥淭his title would be a great addition to any junior high or high school . . . Highly recommended.鈥�
- Library Media Connection, 10/04/13
鈥淎 powerful narrative, densely layered.鈥�
- Professionally Speaking, 06/15
鈥淎 powerful narrative, densely layered.鈥�
- Professionally Speaking, 06/15
鈥淎 great resource to have in any library collection.鈥�
- VOYA, 04/01/14
鈥淭ells in vivid and harrowing detail the story of children abducted to become soldiers in the Lord鈥檚 Resistance Army in Uganda.鈥�
- Horn Book Magazine, 07/13
鈥淭his is a sorrowful and all-too-true story, but one that ends on a hopeful note.鈥�
- Booklist, 04/13
鈥淎 great resource to have in any library collection.鈥�
- VOYA, 08/13
鈥淲ith its haunting images and powerful text, this is a story of spirit, friendship, loyalty, and courage.鈥�
- Skipping Stones, 01/15
鈥�War Brothers is a truly important work both in the original version and in this graphic novel version.鈥�
- CM Reviews, 09/13
鈥淲hile capturing the horrific tragedy of the life of child soldiers, co-creators Sharon E. McKay and Daniel Lafrance also manage to offer inspiration: war decimates, and yet everlasting bonds can also be forged.鈥�
- Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, BookDragon, 03/11/13
鈥淓veryone needs to read this book!鈥�
- Book Snob, 08/12/14
鈥淧owerful historical fiction. It is an important story to tell, and this team has done so admirably.鈥�
- Sal鈥檚 Fiction Addiction, 04/02/13
鈥淣ot an easy book to read but it is an important book . . . There is no shame in closing this book now. Please don鈥檛. Read it, and then find someone to recommend it to.鈥�
- Guys LitWire, 04/16/14
鈥淥ne of the most powerful graphic novels of 2013.鈥�
- Ich Liebe Comics!,11/10/13
鈥淥ne of the most powerful graphic novels of 2013.鈥�
- Ich Liebe Comics!,11/10/13
鈥淭his is a must for the classroom.鈥�
- Canadian Children鈥檚 Book News, 04/13