Son of a Gun

By Anne de Graaf

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. Son of a Gun also includes a section of notes and further information about Liberia.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Release date: Apr 18, 2012
• ISBN: 9781467433013

Anne de Graaf

Anne de Graaf is an award-winning author with over 5 millionbooks sold worldwide. She has written more than 80children's books, and her work has been translated into over50 languages. A graduate of Stanford University, Anne haslived in the Netherlands for more than 25 years.,

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Reviews for Son of a Gun

[sleahey_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novella is a heart-wrenching story of a brother and sister kidnapped to fight in the Liberian Civil War at the ages of 8 and 10. They are survivors, but not without paying the huge price of their childhood and innocence. I predict that this book will leave an indelible impression on its readers, for although quite short, it packs a huge punch. The story is only 89 pages, followed by pages of information about Liberia, its culture, and history.

[jadesbooks · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a story about siblings, Lucky and Nopi, and how they managed to survive the horrors of civil war in Liberia. I found the story to move quickly, and the violence, abuse, and drug usage were only highlighted/glossed over since this book was written for a younger audience. I did enjoy this book, but will say that I kept thinking that the publisher's target audience of 8-12 was a bit young for the content. As a parent, I know I would not be happy with my 8 year old reading this book, but I would allow my child to read this once they reached 12 years or older.

[ewyatt_16 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Tells the tale of two siblings during a tumultuous period with multiple civil wars in Liberia. Told in small blocks of narrative from both Lucky and Nopi's points of view. The siblings have awful experiences both on the run and when they are involved in the civil war. The author has provided a short articles about Liberia at the conclusion of the story, pictures and writings from child soldiers. At times the details are so sparse and the narrative just provides a sketch, the reader longs for more details although having more information might prove too heartbreaking and too horrible. The author has used a style that employs the characters speaking directly to the reader.

[sullywriter_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A vividly detailed, grim story about child soldier survivors of the Liberian civil war. Unfortunately titled, but powerful, poignant, and gripping. The author includes excellent back matter for historical context.

[mepurfield · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Stunning book. Reminds me a lot of Patricia McCormick's work. Recomended.

[lizamichelle1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was a very interesting look into the life of child soldiers. It is a great read for younger children in that it doesn't get as graphic as those meant for adult readers. It's as if the child is just sitting with another child telling a story. I will definitly pass this on to my 10 year old.

[mtrumbo_2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Son of a Gun (Early Reviewer copy) is story about a young brother and sister during the Liberian Civil War that are kidnapped and forced to become child soldiers. Sadly, this is just the beginning of the horrors that they endure. The catch with this novel is that is actually labeled "Young Reader" fiction geared toward ages 8-12. Though I will admit that I am not an expert with 8 and 9 year olds, parts are very disturbing and I don't think that the maturity level is there to read and process those scenes. I do think that it would a very good book for 12 year old age group to read in a school setting so they are able to discuss and "understand" what they have read.