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Soldier Boy

By: Keely Hutton
Narrated by: Kevin R. Free, Ricky Anywar - afterword
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Publisher's summary

Soldier Boy begins with the story of Ricky Richard Anywar, abducted at age 14 in 1989 to fight with Joseph Kony's rebel army in Uganda's decades-long civil war. Ricky is trained, armed, and forced to fight government soldiers alongside his brutal kidnappers but never stops dreaming of escape.

The story continues 20 years later, with a fictionalized character named Samuel, representative of the thousands of child soldiers Ricky eventually helped rehabilitate as founder of the internationally acclaimed charity Friends of Orphans.

Working closely with Ricky himself, debut author Keely Hutton has written an eye-opening audiobook about a boy's unbreakable spirit and indomitable courage in the face of unimaginable horror.

This title has Common Core connections.

©2017 Keely Hutton (P)2017 Macmillan Audio
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Critic reviews

"Powerful writing based on the real life of Ricky Anywar is heightened by narrator Kevin R. Free's dramatic reading. Free's use of an African accent carries readers to the Ugandan setting and the stories of two characters - one real, one fictional." ( AudioFile)

What listeners say about Soldier Boy

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Moved Me to Tears

This powerful, true story captured the horror of child soldiers forced into slavery. The choices they had to make were unthinkable, and the lasting pain it left on a generation in Northern Uganda is unnerving. The audio helped me remain utterly engaged.

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Endless nightmare

This is a story of nonstop cruelty, violence and suffering, with faint glimpses of hope and humanity. it's tense, harrowing and at times exhausting. But it is real and it's an important story to be heard.

The cut scenes to Samuel are little breathers, reminders that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and the two stories eventually dovetail.

Approach this as you would with a story like Schindler's list.

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Gripping, emotion-inducing story

Where does Soldier Boy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is, by far, my favorite audio book I have listened to. Not only is the story well told, but the narration is wonderful.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Soldier Boy?

When Samuel realizes that the kind man is Ricky.

Have you listened to any of Kevin R. Free and Ricky Anywar - afterword ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not, but plan to now!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The story you need to know.

Any additional comments?

Wow! Just wow! The author did an amazing job telling the gripping story of Ricky's life as an abductee and rebel within the LRA. By weaving in the more uplifting story of Samuel, the story comes to life in a very unusual manner and creates even more emotion in the reader/listener. Congrats to Keely!

This is my first audio book by Kevin R. Free, and I was thoroughly impressed with how he brought feelings to life. I plan to listen to other books he has narrated.

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pretty lit🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯💯

had to read this for school. thought about jumping off a bridge multiple times. Obeno on top, rest in pease my man Patrick

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