[Nonfiction Wednesday] Finding Lost Boys in Mary Williams’ “Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan”

Fats here.

My contribution for Kid Lit Frenzy’s Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge today happens to be one of the first books I’ve read for our war and peace theme. I wasn’t aware of the Lost Boys of Sudan before reading this book. Their name sounded vaguely familiar but I could not tell where I have come across them. I’m grateful that I was able to learn their story and have this opportunity to share it with you.

Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan

Written by: Mary Williams
Illustrated by: R. Gregory Christie
Published by: Lee & Low Books (2005)
Book borrowed from Wayne County Public Library.
Book photos taken by me.

Mary Williams, author of Brothers in Hope and adoptive daughter of Jane Fonda, is the founder of The Lost Boys Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia. With Jane Fonda’s support, Mary spent decades traveling the world. In January 2000, while she worked for the International Rescue Committee, Mary learned about the Lost Boys of Sudan. She established The Lost Boys Foundation to raise global awareness about the Lost Boys of Sudan as well as raise funds for the boys’ educational opportunities in the United States.

Brothers in Hope lends a voice to the Lost Boys of Sudan to tell the world their remarkable story. Their story was told through the eyes of a young boy named Garang. Garang was eight years old when his village was attacked. After the attack, Garang joined other boys in the village who also lost their families.

Some of the boys were only five years old. The oldest boys were not more than fifteen. We were children, not used to caring for ourselves. Without our parents we were lost. We had to learn to take care of one another.

Through the narrative of Garang, readers are able to witness how an eight-year-old transformed into a young man with a responsibility to lead a group of thirty-five boys. It certainly was not an easy thing to do, especially for a boy who was used to tending to cattle instead. Nevertheless, Garang managed to overcome his fear by keeping his father’s words alive in his heart.

I went to the forest to be alone and think about all the things Tom had told us. I also remembered my father’s words: Your heart and mind are strong. There is nothing you cannot do.

When I first heard those words, I did not understand them. Now I knew them to be true. My heart was strong with faith and the love of my brothers, and my mind was filled with wisdom from books and the many changes in my life. I was no longer afraid. I would find the strength to make a new life. I would find a new future.

Brothers in Hope is a story of courage and survival. The Lost Boys of Sudan traveled barefoot to Ethiopia, and then finally sought safety in Kenya. It was a dangerous journey through deserts, mountains, and rivers. Their lives in refugee camps were as challenging and difficult but it helped prepare them for their new life in America. Funds and international assistance continue to pour in, and the Lost Boys of Sudan hold on tightly to the thought that this renewed life through education will one day bring them peace.

For more information or to make a donation to the Lost Boys Foundation please write to:

The Lost Boys Foundation
100 Auburn Avenue Suite 200
Atlanta GA 30303

100% of donations go towards scholarships.

Reading Challenge Update: 170 (25)

Nonfiction PictureBook Challenge: 24 (25)