Deborah Ellis,
Off to War: Voices of Soldiers’ Children
Groundwood Books, 2008

Rating: G*

Over twenty-seven Canadian and American military families are featured in this latest offering from Deborah Ellis. Each chapter details the experience of children whose father or mother has been deployed overseas either in direct battle or as support to soldiers in battle. Most of the families have a father serving in Afghanistan or Iraq, while a few are from children whose mother is in the military or whose father was killed. The words are the children’s own and this is what makes their stories so very powerful. Ages range from six to seventeen years. Some chapters are from individuals, some from siblings. Experiences and emotions expressed vary widely, but all show respect for the men and women who risk their lives to serve overseas. The children talk about pride in their parents but also loneliness, not knowing their father, difficulties when soldiers leave and when they return. Some families are strengthened by the experience of war, others face family breakdown. One touching story details the abuse endured by a young teen after her father returned from battle and took out his anger on her.

Deborah Ellis' fans will enjoy this new title. Those unfamiliar with her work may need some promotion or guidance in discovering this book. However, all readers will appreciate the honesty and candour of the young contributors who bravely offer their experience of military life to the world.

Thematic Links: Children and War; Children and Military Service

Linda Irvine
Vol. 14, number 1
October 2008

*Rating System:
E - Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!
G - Good, even great at times, generally useful!
A - Average, all right, has its applications.
P - Problematic, puzzling, poorly presented.