A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

There were all kinds of stories told about the war that made it sound as if it was happening in a faraway and different land.

The memoir of a child turned soldier in Sierra Leone's civil war. Ishmael's description of his time as a soldier is disturbing, frightening and eye opening. After 3 years, he is rescued and rehabilitated and returned to live with family. When war reaches him again, he moves to the US.

An amazing account from such a young man. The book would be appropriate for mature younger adults because of the detailed account of a soldier's life. The rehabilitation and transformation of Ishmael would make this a valuable tool in demonstrating hope, belief and the strength of self. I think there was talk of the account being 'fictionalized' and maybe that is true but the story is too compelling not to read.

Over the last few months, I have found many books that are adult but appropriate for young adults and vice versa. This book is an example of this. It is found on the adult shelves but I have come across numerous accounts from young adult librarians that this book flies of the shelves.

Beah, I. (2007). A long way gone: Memoirs of a boy soldier. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
ISBN: 0374105235
240 pages

Rickie & Henri by Jane Goodall

Rickie, an orphaned chimpanzee, rescued from a Congolese market by a man who brings her home and Rickie struggles to adapt to this very different world. She learns to love the man and Henri, the dog. As she grows too large, she is taken to a chimpanzee sanctuary. Illustrations are beautifully done and can really feel Rickie's emotions throughout the story.

I am a great admirer of Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall so seeing Jane's name on this book I immediately picked it up. Rickie's mother is killed in front of her and Rickie is shot in the process. I was surprised at that in a picture book designed for easy readers. American children might be upset by this turn of events depending on how protective their parents are in reading materials. Overall, Rickie's story is too important to not tell. Perhaps educating children early will help instill a value for animals/conservation early on. Jane also writes a postscript describing Rickie's status today and information on the chimpanzee sanctuary.

Goodall, J. (2004). Rickie and henri. New York, NY: Penguin Young Readers Group.
ISBN: 069840002X
Illustrated by Alan Marks

Meerkat Mail by Emily Gravett

Sunny, a meerkat, lives with his family and begins to feel boxed in and restless. He sets off to explore the world looking for greener pastures, sending postcards home as he reaches each destination. After 6 days, he returns home after realizing this is where he belongs.

Meerkats are too cute and the illustrations capture their personality just right. The story is a familiar one however I enjoyed it. Children will like the postcards and learning about meerkats. I found myself eagerly turning over the postcards! The illustrations add more to the story then what is written.

Gravett, E. (2006). Meerkat mail. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 1416934731
Illustrated by the author.