In 1998, when Michel Chikwanine was five years old, his life radically changed. A native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Michel enjoyed a familial environ filled with music and laughter. Unaware of the distant rumblings, Michel was caught off guard when a band of rebels kidnapped him and took him to an undisclosed location. For the next two weeks, Michel underwent horrific situations and was trained to kill. Fortunately, he escaped, but life back home was not as it once was. Forced to flee from terrorist attacks, Michel, his mom and his younger sister escape to Canada. Michel struggles to move on with his life in North America and he never sees his father or older sister again.

"Chikwanine's account would be incomplete without Davila's stunning and pertinent scenes. Davila's depictions immediately draw readers into the mindset of a child amid insurmountable trauma."

In collaboration with international humanitarian author Jessica Dee Humphreys and author-illustrator Claudia Davila, Chikwanine's CHILD SOLDIER: When Boys and Girls are Used in War is the first of its kind --- a former child soldier’s memoir told in graphic novel format. Without a doubt, Chikwanine's story is incredibly sad and at many points, very painful to read. Regardless, Chikwanine feels compelled to raise awareness of what life is like for children who are forced to become soldiers in a war-torn country. Chikwanine's account would be incomplete without Davila's stunning and pertinent scenes. Davila's depictions immediately draw readers into the mindset of a child amid insurmountable trauma.

Designed to enlighten 10- to 14-year-olds, CHILD SOLDIER includes an in-depth section focused on questions that address what youth can do about the issue of boys and girls used in war. There are also resources for further research. Closing on a positive note, Michel, now 27, shares his story around the world, offering hope to others as well as a firm reminder to children that they should never be used in war. CHILD SOLDIER is definitely a must-read for all ages, as well as an essential resource for school and library collections.