"Two narratives intersect in a quiet conclusion that is filled with hope." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"This powerful dual narrative packs suspense and introspection into Park's characteristic spare description; while there are lots of details offered to the reader, they come not in long, prosaic lines but in simple, detached observations. Both Salva's and Nya's stories are told with brutal, simple honesty, and they deliver remarkable perspective on the Sudanese conflict. The novel's brevity and factual basis makes the reality of life in Sudan very accessible, and readers will find both the story and the style extremely moving." - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"Park simply yet convincingly depicts the chaos of war and an unforgiving landscape. A heartfelt account." - Kirkus Reviews
"Brilliant. A touching narrative about strife and survival on a scale most American readers will never see." - BookPage
"Riveting." - The Horn Book
"A fast, page-turning read. A great book for high school students and an important novel for young adults who enjoy learning about other world cultures." - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"There have been several books about the lost boys of Sudan for adults, teens, and even for elementary-school readers. But [this] spare, immediate account, based on a true story, adds a stirring contemporary dimension. Young readers will be stunned by the triumphant climax." - Booklist (starred review)
"[This] spare, hard-hitting novel delivers a memorable portrait of two children in Sudan. Tragic and harrowing." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
