Ishmael Beah facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ishmael Beah
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Beah in Cologne, Germany on 28 June 2016
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| Born | Ishmael Beah 23 November 1980 Mogbwemo, Bonthe District, Sierra Leone |
| Occupation | author, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Children Affected by War, human rights activist, former child soldier |
| Nationality | Sierra Leonean |
| Notable works | A Long Way Gone Little Family Radiance of Tomorrow |
| Relatives | Junior Beah Ibrahim Beah (siblings) Priscillia Kounkou Hoveyda (wife) |
Ishmael Beah (born 23 November 1980) is an author and human rights activist from Sierra Leone. He became well-known for his powerful memoir, A Long Way Gone. This book shares his experiences as a child soldier.
Beah has also written other books. His novel Radiance of Tomorrow was published in January 2014. His most recent novel, Little Family, came out in April 2020.
Contents
Ishmael Beah's Early Life and War Experience
The Sierra Leone Civil War began in 1991. When rebels attacked Ishmael Beah's hometown of Mogbwemo, he had to run away. He became separated from his family during this time. For months, he wandered south with other boys.
At just 13 years old, Beah was forced to become a child soldier. He fought in the government army against the rebels. He has shared that he was a soldier for almost three years.
Rescue and New Beginnings
In 1996, UNICEF helped rescue Ishmael Beah. He found it very hard to adjust to a normal life again. He and other former child soldiers often struggled. A kind volunteer named Nurse Esther helped him greatly.
Nurse Esther noticed Beah's love for American rap music and reggae. She gave him a Walkman and a Run DMC cassette. Music helped him connect with his past before the war. She also assured him, "it's not your fault."
In 1997, violence increased in Freetown, Sierra Leone. With UNICEF's help, Beah fled to New York City. There, he lived with Laura Simms, who became his foster mother. He attended the United Nations International School.
Education and Activism
After high school, Ishmael Beah went to Oberlin College. He graduated in 2004 with a degree in political science. He has become a strong voice for children affected by war.
Beah has spoken about how difficult it was to return to a peaceful society. He believes that helping children heal is a long process. He has shared that he was given substances and pressured to fight during the war. He says this made it hard for him to escape on his own.
He once said, "I live knowing that I have been given a second life. I just try to have fun, and be happy and live it the best I can."
Later Life and Family
In 2009, Ishmael Beah visited his home country of Sierra Leone. He described this trip as both happy and sad. In February 2013, he spoke at the My World Conference in Calgary.
In 2013, Beah married Priscillia Kounkou Hoveyda. They have three children. Today, they live in different places around the world.
Ishmael Beah's Books and Achievements
Ishmael Beah's memoir, A Long Way Gone, was nominated for a Quill Award in 2007. Time magazine called it one of the Top 10 Nonfiction Books of 2007. The magazine praised its ability to show readers what it was like for a child soldier. Amazon also included the book on its list of 100 books to read in a lifetime.
His novel, Radiance of Tomorrow, tells the story of a community after the civil war. It follows two friends, Benjamin and Bockarie, who return to their ruined hometown. The book received positive reviews from major newspapers.
In April 2020, Beah released his third book, Little Family. This novel is about five young people who have lost their homes. They try to create a new family together.
On January 24, 2020, Ishmael Beah spoke at a conference at Dalhousie University. He talked about human rights and child soldiers. He shared the stage with Romeo Dallaire and Omar Khadr.
See also
In Spanish: Ishmael Beah para niños
- Children of War (2009) documentary by Bryan Single
- P. W. Singer investigator and author of Children at War (2005)
