About This Book
"Boy Kills Man" is a hard-hitting young adult novel that plunges readers into the grim reality of child assassins in Medellín, Colombia. It follows Shorty, a thirteen-year-old boy, as he is drawn into gang life by his best friend, Alberto. The narrative explores themes of friendship, loyalty, survival, and the devastating loss of innocence in a violent urban environment. Parents should be aware of the prominent themes of gun violence, organized crime, and character death, making it suitable for mature young adult readers ready for a raw and unflinching look at social issues. It's a powerful story for opening discussions about poverty, choices, and consequences.
Two thirteen-year-old boys, blood brothers and best friends, get drawn into a dangerous, violent world on the streets of a troubled Columbian city.
Concepts
Fear & BraveryFriendship & LoyaltyGood vs. EvilResilience & PerseveranceLoneliness & BelongingJustice & FairnessSelf-Confidence & IdentityAnger & FrustrationSadness & GriefEmpathy & KindnessGrowing UpPeer PressureMaking FriendsBeing DifferentSibling RivalryFriendship & SocialFamily & SiblingsSurvival & Wilderness
Character Death
Violence
peril_danger
bullying
separation_from_parent
mental_health_themes
abuse_themes
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Shorty's friendship with Alberto influence his choices throughout the story?
2
What societal factors contribute to children like Shorty and Alberto becoming involved in gangs and violence?
3
How does the book make you feel about the characters and their difficult situation?
4
Discuss the concept of 'loss of innocence' as it applies to Shorty and Alberto in this narrative.
5
If you were Shorty, what choices might you have made differently, and why?
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