About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager begins questioning the complexities of war, the ethics of global conflict, or the reality of military service versus the version seen in movies. It is a vital tool for families navigating the bridge between childhood idealism and adult moral ambiguity. Robin Perry, a young man from Harlem, joins the Civil Affairs battalion in Iraq, where his mission is not to fight but to win hearts and minds. Through letters home and visceral first-person narration, the story explores the weight of duty, the confusion of being a peacemaker in a combat zone, and the profound psychological impact of witnessing tragedy. While it contains the intensity expected of a war novel, it is deeply human and grounded in empathy. It provides a realistic, non-romanticized look at the 2003 Iraq invasion, making it an essential choice for mature teens ready to discuss the true cost of conflict and the struggle to remain a good person under pressure.
