The Ghosts of War (The true story of a 19-year-old GI) by Ryan Smithson
This is an AMAZING book. I would highly recommend this to any classroom library, and encourage its use as a class read aloud for grade 5+, or as an independent book study for those in grade 7+.
The only reason I say grade 7 or higher for independent study is because the overall topic of this story is one that can be of a graphic nature; war. This story is written by Ryan Smithson, about his own personal experiences going to Afghanistan after joining the army reserves out of high school.
The book is split into three phases; red, white and blue. Each of Ryan’s stories seems to fall into one of these phases as well. The red phase being the training and preparation. White Phase, putting that training to use. The Blue phase, after it’s over, now what?
A heartwarming look at the other side of the war in Afghanistan, from the point of view of a young kid sent over to build and repair roads/buildings. Albeit far from the action compared to others, Ryan’s story is one of a heartwarming view on the war and the innocent people caught up in it. It’s also interesting that he talks about his time back home, suffering from PTSD and how simple things such as a balloon popping trigger thoughts back to being bombed / under fire in Afghanistan.
Overall a great read for any student (or teacher!) this book gets 5 stars from me!!