Author: Mary Williams
Website: No author website
Illustrator: R. Gregory Christie
Website: http://www.gas-art.com/
Media Used: Illustrations were rendered in acrylic and the text set in Gill Sans.
Summary: Based on true events, this book tells the story of 8 year old Garang who, out tending the cattle, survives his village's destruction and joins a thousand other orphaned boys walking, from Sudan to Ethiopia to Kenya, seeking safety.
Personal Thoughts: I think this is a truly inspirational story about the human will to survive. The boys in this story band together to help, feed, and protect one another. They divide up responsibilities and make the decision to travel to Ethiopia as a group by pulling their information. When I looked at the map at the end of the book, all I could think of was how very far those young boys had to travel - some as young as 5! In a society that rarely walks more then a block when we can drive, it is hard to fathom. I really appreciated the Afterward which spoke a little about how the boys were adjusting or struggling in the United States. I couldn't help but ask myself about all the things I take for granted everyday - like having shoes - and how capable I would be if our roles were reversed. Great book.
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