A Long Way Gone

Summary

A long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah is a true story about the authors childhood as a child soldier in Sierra Leon, Africa. Ishmael was truly a kind soul but by the age of thirteen had been forced into violence like no other. Ishmael soon found out that he was capable of horrible things and found himself a completely different person.

Review

This book is exciting, educational, emotional and you wont be able to put it down. So far I am really enjoying this book. I think for a person like me who hasn't been exposed to a lot of things outside a small peaceful community this book gives a look at what can be found in places around the world that aren't as fortunate as us. This book is truly amazing and Ishmael tells a truly amazing story.

Focus

This week our focus was questions. Here are a few I had.

• What has he done to help after he got out?
• Is his childhood traumatic for him to talk about?
• Was he ever injured or hurt?
• Did he have friends as a child soldier?
• Were there others his age or was he one of the youngest?

Sources

Here is a link to Ishmael Beahs foundation website. http://www.beahfound.org/Beah_Foundation/Home.html

And here is a link to a video of Ishmael Speaking. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K4yhPSQEzo