• Age: 11 to 18
• Grade: 6 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

The unforgettable novel about one child soldier’s struggle with friendship, courage, and resilience.

Jacob is a 14-year-old Ugandan who is sent away to a boys’ school. Once there, he assures his friend Tony that they need not be afraid—they will be safe. But not long after, in the shadow of the night, the boys are abducted. Marched into the jungle, they are brought to an encampment of the feared rebel soldiers. Told that they must kill or be killed, the boys are thrust into a terrifying struggle to endure and survive.

In time, the boys escape. Hunted by the rebels, stalked by a lion, and even pursued by river crocs, they miraculously succeed in reaching safety; however, it is no longer enough. Jacob’s adventures force him to confront evil, victimization, and the dark side of human nature, but also teach him about loyalty, friendship, and the true meaning of family.

Daniel Lafrance’s striking artwork and the poignant, powerful text capture the very essence of life as a child soldier. Readers will never forget the experiences of this young boy struggling to survive, unsure who to trust, afraid of succumbing to madness, and above all, desperate to get to freedom. In the end, Jacob engineers a daring escape.

This graphic novel is based on the acclaimed novel of the same title, winner of a 2009 Arthur Ellis award. The author spent time in Uganda and based this story on real-life accounts of the horrors inflicted on child soldiers and their victims. This is a story of unthinkable violence, but also one of hope, courage, friendship, and family.

Sharon E. McKay is the award-winning author of many books based on real events, including War Brothers: The Graphic Novel and Thunder Over Kandahar. She was also named a Canadian War Artist and spent time in Afghanistan embedded with the Canadian troops. She lives in Prince Edward Island.

Sharon E. McKay's profile page

Daniel Lafrance is a storyboard and graphic novel artist. He lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Daniel Lafrance's profile page

• Short-listed, Book of the Year Award, Foreword Reviews
• Winner, Independent Publisher Book Award, Gold
• Short-listed, Cybils Award
• Long-listed, Eisner Award, Best Graphic Novel
• Long-listed, Stellar Book Award
• Joint winner, Best Books for Kids and Teens, starred selection, Canadian Children’s Book Centre
• Joint winner, Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers, YALSA
• Joint winner, Maverick Graphic Novel List, Texas Library Association
• Joint winner, USBBY Outstanding International Book Honor List
• Joint winner, Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, YALSA
• Joint winner, Great Graphic Novels for Teens List, Top Ten YALSA

“Powerful storytelling based on documented experiences . . . it’s as relevant as ever.”

Kirkus, 02/13

“With its haunting images and powerful text, this is a story of spirit, friendship, loyalty, and courage.”

Skipping Stones, 01/15

“War Brothers is a truly important work both in the original version and in this graphic novel version.”

CM Reviews, 09/13

“A powerful narrative, densely layered.”

Professionally Speaking, 06/15

“Not an easy book to read but it is an important book . . . There is no shame in closing this book now. Please don’t. Read it, and then find someone to recommend it to.”

Guys LitWire, 04/16/14

“Powerful historical fiction. It is an important story to tell, and this team has done so admirably.”

Sal’s Fiction Addiction, 04/02/13

“A great resource to have in any library collection.”

VOYA, 04/01/14

“A truly important work that is well worth the read.”

School Library Journal, *starred review, 03/13

“One of the most powerful graphic novels of 2013.”

Ich Liebe Comics!,11/10/13

“One of the most powerful graphic novels of 2013.”

Ich Liebe Comics!,11/10/13

“As upsetting as this story is—all the more for its basis in the ongoing reality for children still conscripted into the LRA—McKay doesn’t leave readers without a sense of hope.”

Publishers Weekly, *starred review, 04/29/13

“Tells in vivid and harrowing detail the story of children abducted to become soldiers in the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda.”

Horn Book Magazine, 07/13

“A challenging, uncompromising work and, in its graphic form, a beautiful treatment of stark ugliness.”

Quill and Quire, *starred review, 02/21/13

“This is a sorrowful and all-too-true story, but one that ends on a hopeful note.”

Booklist, 04/13

“While capturing the horrific tragedy of the life of child soldiers, co-creators Sharon E. McKay and Daniel Lafrance also manage to offer inspiration: war decimates, and yet everlasting bonds can also be forged.”

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, BookDragon, 03/11/13

“This title would be a great addition to any junior high or high school . . . Highly recommended.”

Library Media Connection, 10/04/13

“Powerful storytelling based on documented experiences . . . it’s as relevant as ever.”

Kirkus, 02/13

“His story has haunted me for weeks.”

School Library Journal, Reaching Reluctant Readers, 03/13

“This is a must for the classroom.”

Canadian Children’s Book News, 04/13

“Everyone needs to read this book!”

Book Snob, 08/12/14

“A great resource to have in any library collection.”

VOYA, 08/13

“A powerful narrative, densely layered.”

Professionally Speaking, 06/15