Chanda's Wars (vuoden 2008 painos)

Vivid characters and sense of place. A compelling read that will get readers thinking about the serious issue of involving children in warfare. ( )

A heart pounding sequel to "Chanda's Secrets". Chanda's world once again falls apart when her two siblings are kidnapped by an imfamous warlord. Remembering the promise she made to her mother, who died of AIDS, she sets out to rescue them. An amazing and inspiring read no one should miss! ( )

Set in Africa, where war is still a very real threat for all people, we are drawn into the life of Chanda. With both parents gone, 16 year old Chanda is in charge of her two younger siblings, Iris and Soly. When disturbing dreams send Chanda back to her mother's family for absolution (see Stratton's previous book Chanda's Secrets), the worst happens. Iris and Soly are stolen by rebel leader General Mandiki, a ruthless man who uses children as soldiers.
Told through the eyes of Chanda, we travel with her through her emotional journey of trying to keep her family together. This is a safe gateway into a world that very few have an opportunity to experience, and hopefully will raise awareness of the lifestyle and still present dangers in Africa. ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down (always a good sign). A good book to read for some cultural differentiation. ( )

Reviewed by Grandma Bev for TeensReadToo.com

This fictional treatment of the genocide wars of Africa felt realistic. Though this is a sequel to CHANDA'S SECRETS, this story is a stand alone book. Through Stratton's vivid imagination, we follow Chanda and her small brother and sister as they travel to the next town to visit their grandparents and other relatives.

Chanda's family wants her to marry Nelson, the son of a man who they wanted her mother to marry many years ago. Chanda is shocked, and adamant that she will not marry this boy. As Chanda and her siblings prepare to leave and return to their home, the rebel band of Mandiki attacks the village and kills her grandfather, among many other people, and kidnaps the children. Nelson's little brother was captured earlier and forced to be a guide to the bandits.

Chanda swears that wherever the kids are, she will find them and rescue them. Nelson catches up with her and, together, they set out to find the rebels and save the children. Tracking the band is fraught with difficulties, including hard to follow tracks, crocodiles, and the African heat in the unforgiving bush country.

The characters are likable and sympathetic, and Allan Stratton is a master at crafting a fast-paced plot that keeps you reading to the very satisfying end. It was altogether a very entertaining and captivating story.

The end of the book contains an interview with the author, Nelson's recipe for biltong, "Sixteen Things I'll Never Forget" by the author, an excerpt from his next book, information on rewriting the end of CHANDA'S WARS, and a drawing by a child soldier. ( )