Children of War

Children of War

In this extraordinarily powerful book, international bestselling author Deborah Ellis turns her attention to the most overlooked victims of the Iraq war- Iraqi children.

Written as a companion to the deeply moving Off to War (published in March 2009), Deborah Ellis once again shares the stories of those who are so rarely given an opportunity to speak for themselves. In the five years since the U.S and its allies invaded Iraq, four million Iraqis have been displaced, half are living in desolate tent camps, the others mostly stuck in Jordan and Syrian.

In this insightful new book, Ellis interviews 20 Iraqi children deeply affected by the war, including refuges living in Jordan and some who are trying to build new lives in North America. She provides a brief overview and context, and then lets the children to speak for themselves and tell their story in their own voice. The stories are frank, harrowing and often surprising as the children share their tales of trying to survive the consequences of a war in which they played no part.

Royalties from both Children of War and Off to War are to be donated to the Children in Crisis Fund of IBBY, the International Board of Books for Young People.

Ages 10-14, and adults.

Praise for Off to War
'…a most fascinating insight into the lived experience of children who, although far from actual conflict zones, will be affect by war every day of their lives.' Centre of Youth Literature.
'…gives voice to the children of soldiers… it is their accumulation that makes an impact… Ellis continues to be an important voice of moral and social conscience…' Kirkus
'…the voices of these children remind us that when we send an Army off to war, we are sending human beings with families and friends… Ellis offers readers a fascinating, and sometimes searing glimpse into these children's lives as she allows them to tell their stories in their own words… compulsively readable.' Scripps Howard News Service.
'…a rare and deeply affecting glimpse into the lives of children whose voices are seldom heard… a powerful and eloquent statement about the families of the men and women who fight for our country, and the burden they bear.' PR Newswire

Deborah Ellis was born in 1960 in Cochrane, Ontario. While still in high school, she got involved in anti-nuclear war movement in the late 1970s, and that lead to further involvement in politics, particular feminism and project aimed at drawing attention to the consequences of war. She had been writing since she was a child, and published Looking for X in 1999, followed by Parvana and Diego novels. She has been able to travel around the world, meeting people who have survived serious calamities brought about by other people's decisions, and has recorded their stories for others to read and learn from. Deborah Ellis has donated more than half a million dollars in royalties to international children's charities. She lives in Simcoe, Ontario.

Previous books by Deborah Ellis: Off to War (2009), Diego's Pride (2008), Diego, Run! (2007), Three Wishes (2005), The Heaven Shop (2005), A Company of Fools (2004), Shauzia (2003), Looking for X (2002), Parvana's Journey (2002) and Parvana (2001).

Children of War
Allen and Unwin
Author: Deborah Ellis
Price: $16.99