This book wrecked me. It’s technically middle-grade but was an emotionally-difficult, but important, read. With so much discussion of child trafficking, it’s important that we evaluate how our individual choices perpetuate child slavery and trafficking.

The story begins on a small cocoa farm where young boys are being held as slaves to do the dangerous work of harvesting. The main character, Amadou, believes he and his then-six year old brother, have come to work to send money home to their family. After their arrival, they learn they will not be leaving. We meet them two years later when a young girl is dropped at the plantation and over the next week, they manage to escape. While the characters are fictitious, the reality of the setting is not.

I highly recommend it for the adults as much as the kids.

For Gillian, 1/16/2017

Was there any doubt this author could write a bad story? Nope. Just like Golden Boy, Sullivan brings to life REAL issues. Tugging at your heart strings and begging you to think about someone other than yourself. Top pick. Highly recommend.