The author states, “...And in Beah’s case, the arrival of the rebel in his small town meant sudden separation from his parents.” ( Beah 302). It’s astounding and distressing to know that a child Beah’s age would have to be parted from his family to be forced into war. After all, every child deserves to have their childhood filled with love and care from their parents, not having a gun put in their hands and be sent on a killing binge. Another hardship Beah discussed was being forced into training. No one at the age the Beah was when he was recruited to war should be forced to take part in training, especially to kill. Bringing so much violence into a child’s life at such an early age can affect them throughout their whole life. Beah recalls he was “Given rudimentary training.” (Beah 303). Even though their training wasn’t harsh or brutal , what kind of child should be forced into training at all? However, all these events shaped Beah into the inspiring , well-rounded person he is today. Beah’s time during war as a child has greatly influenced his life even after being rescued by UNICEF and stopped from fighting. Although the war took away from him most of his childhood and his family, it didn’t take away his dignity and act of leadership which have aided him in helping other children who have been affected by