When Kaninda survives a brutal attack on his village in East Africa he joins the rebel army, where he’s trained to carry weapons, and use them.
But aid workers take him to London, to a new family and a comprehensive school. Clan and tribal conflicts are everywhere, and on the streets it’s estate versus estate, urban tribe against urban tribe.
All Kaninda wants it to get back to his own war and take revenge on his enemies. But together with Laura Rose, the daughter of his new family, he is drawn into a dangerous local conflict that is spiraling out of control.
But aid workers take him to London, to a new family and a comprehensive school. Clan and tribal conflicts are everywhere, and on the streets it’s estate versus estate, urban tribe against urban tribe.
All Kaninda wants it to get back to his own war and take revenge on his enemies. But together with Laura Rose, the daughter of his new family, he is drawn into a dangerous local conflict that is spiraling out of control.
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Reviews
[Ashley's] gritty urban realism marks a fresh approach to children's writing
It's wonderful to have another full-length, meaty novel from this gritty writer
This is Ashley at his hard-hitting best
Another thoughtful and topical tale
Original and touching
A serious and provocative reflection on kids and war, this novel should spark debate
Compelling and unforgettable
A considerable achievement
Ashley is sympathetic without ever sentimentalising the survival tactics of his little soldier