Awards and Honors2009 Notable Books for a Global Society; Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Book of 2008 | 2008 Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, Children’s Fiction | 2008 School Library JournalBest Books, Fiction; NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2009, Geography/People/Places
Robin Perry of Harlem, New York, has enlisted and been shipped off to Iraq. There, he and his Civil Affairs unit undertake a series of missions that lead to some baffling interactions with Iraqis. They help arrest an old man who Robin thinks may be innocent; they search the house of a seemingly harmless family and find bomb detonators hidden in the kitchen. Increasingly unsure of who is a friend and who is an enemy, Robin and his fellow soldiers are suddenly sent on their most dangerous mission: to rescue three kidnapped Iraqi children. Glossary.
Summary Against his father’s wishes, Robin enlists in the Army and is sent to Iraq as part of the Civilian Affairs Battalion, which will act as a liaison between the military and the Iraqi people, demonstrating that the United States intends to start the rebuilding process immediately. At first, Operation Iraqi Freedom seems to be going as planned, but Robin soon discovers that there is a big difference between textbook theories and real-life war. The Rules of Engagement keep changing, and it’s difficult to tell friend from foe. As they face constant danger, the soldiers in the unit bond together, and though Robin is comforted by this camaraderie, he is also troubled by the randomness of violence, deep-seated moral questions, and the knowledge that this war will be part of him for the rest of his life.
Topics Iraq War. Current events. African Americans. Soldiers' memoirs. Standing up for your country. Fathers and sons. Friendship. Interpersonal relationships. Teamwork. Being responsible for the lives of others. Camaraderie. Communication. Anticipating combat. The news media and its role during wartime. The difference between theories about war and the realities. Questioning leadership. Women in combat. Living with constant fear. Violence. The randomness of death. War's devastating effects on children. Trying to understand a different culture. Survival. Humanity and inhumanity. Moral dilemmas. Grief. Courage. Heroes. What does winning mean? Identifying and appreciating the things you truly value. War changes you forever. Living with your memories.
SRC Level 4.700000
SRC Points 17.000000
Lexile 780L
Trim Size 5 1/2" x 8 1/4"
Language English
JLG Release Date Jun 2008
Minimum grade 11
Maximum grade 12
Reading level High
Format Print
Mature Young Adult Plus (Grades 11 & Up)
Mature Young Adult Plus
Mature Young Adult Plus (Grades 11 & Up)
For Grades 11 & Up
Filled with stimulating nonfiction and can't-put-it-down fiction, this category is perfect for bridging the gap between young adult and adult reading. Take note: these 14 selections often contain mature situations and language that could be considered controversial.