In Off to War: Voices of Soldiers' Children, by Deborah Ellis (Groundwood Books), some of these children have their say. Ellis is known for courageous books that give Western readers a glimpse into the plight of children in developing countries. Here, she comes home to share stories that remind us how the human cost of war is borne not just by those who fight, but by their families.
In writing Off to War, Ellis interviewed children from military families across the U.S. and Canada. She introduces each of them briefly and then lets them tell their own stories, in their own words. The kids speak frankly and openly, offering readers ages 9 and up a rare and deeply affecting glimpse into the lives of children whose voices are seldom heard.
Royalties from the book are being donated to the Children in Crisis Fund of IBBY, the International Board on Books for Young People.
According to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, 1.2 million young people in the U.S. have at least one parent in the armed forces. Some of these children live on or near military bases, others in civilian communities. Some, but not all, support our military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. Whatever their political opinions, all of them are affected. Off to War shows us how.
The collected voices of these children -- sad, scared, funny, angry, loving -- make Off to War a powerful and eloquent statement about the families of the men and women who fight for our country, and the burden they bear. The book includes a glossary and a list of organizations and publications that help soldiers, veterans, and their families.
Author and human rights activist Deborah Ellis has donated more than half a million dollars in royalties to international children's charities.
She is the author of Looking for X, winner of the Governor General's Award; The Breadwinner; Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak; and other award-winning books for children and young adults. Her "Breadwinner" trilogy has been published in seventeen languages.
SOURCE Groundwood Books
Sedo Domain Name Aftermarket
Published by Mike Hitchen, Mike Hitchen Consulting
