Rosenblatt, Darcey

In 1982, twelve-year-old Reza refuses to join Iran's war effort--until a tragedy and his mother's urging convince him to enlist, assured he will be granted paradise if he dies serving his country. Soon, Reza finds himself a POW in Iraq, where the guards are brutal, and only his friendship with his fellow POWs can help him make it through.

"In 1982 Iran, twelve-year-old Reza is more interested in music than war, but enlists in obedience to his devout mother and soon finds himself in a prison camp in Iraq."--Provided by publisher.