Shattered Stories of Children and War

As bullets ring and bombs are dropped, children watchmostly from the sidelines, but occasionally in the direct line of fire. Unaware of the political issues or power struggles behind the battle, all they know are the human, emotional consequences of this thing called war. This collection examines all of war's implications for young peoplefrom those caught in the line of fire to the children of the veterans of wars long past. Critically acclaimed author Jennifer Armstrong brings together 12 powerful voices in young people's literature to explore the realities of war from a child's perspective. The settings vary widelythe Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, an attempted coup in Venezuela, the American Civil War, crisis in the Middle Eastbut the effects are largely the same. In war, no life is ever left untouched. In war, lives are shattered.

Jennifer Armstrong is the author of over 50 books for children from kindergarten through high school. Best known for writing historical fiction, she has also been successful in creating picture books, easy readers, chapter books, young adult novels, as well as nonfiction. Armstrong is the winner of the Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World. Many of her books have been designated as Notable Books by the American Library Association and the International Reading Association. Armstrong, who grew up outside of New York City, now lives in Saratoga Springs, New York.