Characters & Relationships
Ishmael’s older brother who travels with him at the beginning of the war
What is Junior
The country the novel takes place in
What is Sierra Leone
Why do villagers often run away when they see Ishmael and the boys?
They think the boys are rebels.
What happens when Ishmael first arrives at Benin Home?
He fights, resists help, and experiences withdrawal.
One major theme of the novel is the loss of what?
Innocence
The kind man who briefly shelters and tries to help the boys find their families.
Who is Gasemu
The city Ishmael travels to in order to attend the talent show
What is Mattru Jong
What do the boys carry to try to prove they are not rebels?
Rap cassettes / Walkman
What helps Ishmael reconnect with his identity?
Music / rap / Esther’s conversations
The novel suggests that war forces children to become what?
Adults / soldiers / perpetrators of violence
Ishmael’s uncle that he reunites with in Freetown
Who is Uncle Tommy
The capital city Ishmael lives in with his uncle.
What is Freetown
What substance are child soldiers given to make them more violent and fearless?
Drugs (cocaine mixed with gunpowder / “brown brown”)
What phrase do the staff repeat to the boys to encourage healing?
“It’s not your fault.”
How does Beah show that environment influences behavior?
Ishmael changes drastically depending on who surrounds him (rebels vs. Benin Home staff).
The nurse at Benin Home who helps Ishmael begin to trust again?
Who is Esther
The rehabilitation center does Ishmael stay at after being removed from the army
What is Benin Home/UNICEFF
What event pushes Ishmael to fully commit to becoming a soldier?
The murder of his family / desire for revenge
Why is forgiveness difficult for Ishmael at first?
He feels guilt and is used to violence.
How does memory function in the novel?
It preserves identity and tells the truth about war.
The army leader recruits Ishmael and influences the boys to seek revenge.
Who is The Lieutenant
The country does Ishmael travel to for a conference
What is NYC, USA
Explain how fear changes Ishmael’s behavior during his time in the army.
He becomes desensitized, violent, and emotionally numb in order to survive.
How does Ishmael’s experience at Benin Home support the theme of redemption?
It shows that healing and humanity are possible even after extreme trauma.
A one-sentence thematic statement about humanity in the novel.
Even after experiencing extreme violence, individuals can reclaim their humanity through compassion and support.