Shadows into Light

“In this monumental study, Theresa Betancourt turns shadows into light by focusing on one of the most vulnerable populations on the planet: children devastated by war. The work of decades of research and travel, Betancourt’s book is not only a major academic breakthrough in how we must think about—and address—the traumas of the young who have been swept up in such scarring conflicts as the civil war in Sierra Leone. It is also a gripping human drama and a brilliant, passionate call for change commensurate with hope.” —Henry Louis Gates, Jr., author of Stony the Road

“In my many years working to ensure healthier birth outcomes for mothers and families around the globe, it’s been clear that war-affected areas face some of the most significant risks. Shadows into Light offers timely insights into the real effects of war on the lives of children and families in Sierra Leone, while also highlighting dynamics that exist in too many other war-torn parts of our world. Theresa Betancourt and her team showcase multiple opportunities to help young people in these environments reach their full potential, and to promote healthier and more just societies in the face of violent conflict.” —Christy Turlington Burns, founder and president of Every Mother Counts

“How can children affected by wartime abductions and assaults come to thrive? This brave, rigorous, and humane book reveals both the persistent consequences of trauma and the astonishing beauty of resilience that is possible when people receive high-quality help. Grounded in over two decades of work in Sierra Leone, Shadows into Light memorably shows how effective assistance can enable heart-opening strength and growth for individuals and communities emerging from appalling harms.” —Martha Minow, author of Between Vengeance and Forgiveness

“To bring a country back to its feet following a devastating civil war is no small accomplishment. In this intrepid, carefully researched, and deeply engaged book, Theresa Betancourt and her team show what it takes for war’s young survivors to persevere and reach their fullest potential. The stories told here have critical implications for crafting programs and policies that will help Sierra Leone achieve its goals for development and prosperity.” —David Sengeh, Chief Minister of Sierra Leone

“The horror of children being conscripted into war is unparalleled in the dark annals of trauma. And yet, those who survive this unimaginable violence must then confront another arduous challenge: how to rebuild and restore their lives. Theresa Betancourt’s Shadows into Light is a testimony to the remarkable resilience of these children, as well as to the tenacity and passion of a formidable woman who has documented their powerful stories to inspire us all.” —Vikram Patel, Paul Farmer Professor of Global Health, Harvard Medical School

“This beautifully written book is a powerful account of groundbreaking work carried out by Theresa Betancourt and her team to understand the reintegration of children taken captive during the war in Sierra Leone, many of whom were forced to be child soldiers. It describes the development of evidence-based interventions and policies and, as important, shares stories of the lives of young people that illustrate their paths to resilience or despair. It should be widely read by policymakers, social scientists, practitioners, and all those concerned about the welfare of children in war-torn areas.” —William Beardslee, Boston Children’s Hospital