Johnny Mad Dog

Johnny Mad Dog illistrates for us the horror of the rebel army child soldiers but also gives us a look at the other side. This book is effective because of the dual narrators showing you both sides of the story. The two main characters Johnny Mad Dog and Laokole are both about the same age but have very different views on life. Johnny just wants to be an intellectual and in charge while Laokole just wants finish high school and keep her family safe. They both present of us with inner stories which adds to the big picture.
Johnny Mad Dog was very intersting. Since we got to look into his inner thoughts it was easy to tell something wasn't quite right. Mad Dog would convince himself of something that wasn't true and this happened on numerous occasions. We really don't learn a lot of truths from him; we don't even know how long he really was in school.
This novel not only was able to show us both sides of the story but it also enlighted us with what was really happening in the attacks. It was bothersome that the people there seemed used to the attacks and raids. Because of Laokole story we are able to see how they hid the things they can't carry and had decoys for important things. Mad Dog shows us the crulty of raids when he rapes women and shoots people down in the middle of the road. The life these children are leading are hard unchanging lives. These attacks need to end.
What gets me the most is that these things actually happen and there isn't an end in sight. Young children are given guns and basically told go have fun shoot anything. This abuse of children and life needed to be stopped. This novel is eye opening.