Could not put this down. Heartbreaking story of the use and abuse of children during the Iranian-Iraqi war. First by their parents in urging them to join the Iranian army, by the army as human mine sweepers, by their guards in the POW camp, and their government for abandoning them because they hadn't died. You could try and compare to The Red Badge of Courage, but friendships that are developed in Lost Boys give you a since of faith in humanity. One of this year's best!

Rosenblatt, Darcey Lost Boys, 288 pages. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2017. $17. Language: G (1 swear, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (piles of bodies, beatings)

Reza’s mother has been pressuring the twelve year old to join Iran’s army in the fight against Iraq in 1982. His favorite uncle, however, is an Iranian rebel, who has nurtured Reza’s love for Western music, so he has been resistant. When his best friend, Ebi, joins up, though, Reza feels obligated to stay by his side. The boys are shattered, however, when they find out that their final purpose for the Iranian army is to act as human minesweepers. When Reza finally wakes up, he has been sent to a detention camp and Ebi is missing, perhaps dead. Life in the detention camp is harsh, made harsher by a guard with a cruel streak who seems to have it out for Reza.

Rosenblatt has chosen a little known (for Americans) war as the background for a book about hope and courage. The descriptions of life in the detention camp would be excellent to read aloud in any modern history class to help students connect to the harshness of life in a war zone. In elementary schools, I would only suggest this for sixth graders. For middle schools, hand this to your boys who read books about war – its an easy sell and a very good look at another aspect of war.

EL (6th grade only) – ADVISABLE; MS – ESSENTIAL Cindy, Library Teacher

I loved the premise of this story but not necessarily the plot.

Iran in 1982 was a difficult place to be. Reza loves Stevie Wonder music, but it is forbidden, and his mother is spouting her adherence to whatever the Ayatollah has decreed even though it cost Reza his father. Luckily, his uncle Habib understands, but he is active in the resistance and doesn't last long. Reza's best friend Ebi believes in supporting the cause, and Reza finally gives in to joining the army. Many of the boys (who are about 12) believe that if they dies in support of the cause it will be an honorable death and they will go to heaven and be given virgins (which is a deeply disturbing thought if ever there was one-- this article was helpful in illuminating the myth behind it), but Reza quickly finds that the boys are all expendable. After being gravely injured, he is separated from Ebi but ends up in a decent prison camp where the boys are taught by Irish Aid worker, Miles. Miles is very supportive, and even lets Reza play his guitar. Eventually, Miles is asked to leave the country, and Reza realizes that he and the other boys are never going to get to go home. Even though Ebi shows up at the camp, Reza has to make some bold decisions about his future.
Strengths: I thought this offered a good depiction of how even members of the same family can react differently to a sociopolitical environment. Reza feels his mother (whose father was a holy man) loves her god more than she loves him. Ebi's family is more progressive, and angry at his more conservative views. Reza just cannot think that his love of music is sinful, and while he loves his country, he doesn't like the divisions. This seemed very well researched, and offers a glimpse into a very interesting but treacherous time. Modern readers will draw many parallels between Iran in 1982 and current political situations.
Weaknesses: This is not an #ownvoices book. This does not bother me, since I think writers should be able to research and write sympathetic books about other people, but some people will be bothered by this.
What I really think: This is an essential purchase for all middle school libraries. The cover is great, and all manner of readers will be drawn to Reza's story of music, adventure, and personal journey.