NZ Intermediate School Librarians discussion

Set in WWII during the invasion of Okinawa this books tells the story of two boys - one a American solider on his first campaign, the other a 14 year old Okinawan local who has been drafted into the Blood and Iron Student corps by the Japanese army. A high body count and graphic descriptions provide the reader with a realistic account of warfare. The conflict between soldiers as real people, with real lives prior to the war, and the monstrous actions they are capable of as soldiers is explored. There are no good guys versus bad guys in this story, but rather it looks at the toll of war on the individuals directly involved, and on the innocent victims caught in the cross fire. Highly recommended.