LITTLE SOLDIER

This timely, meticulously orchestrated contemporary tale set in London demands patience and a high level of maturity. Initially, readers may have trouble warming up to its two thick-skinned protagonists. Some may also be put off by the book's slow-moving plot, unfolded as a string of seemingly disconnected violent acts occurring in two separate continents. However, those who are persistent will be rewarded for their effort. Ashley (Cleversticks) proceeds to draw parallels between political conflict and street warfare while revealing the growing camaraderie between Kaninda and Laura, two "little soldiers" fighting different battles. Kaninda, a refugee from a war-torn African country (fictitious, but modeled on Zaire), believes that he will find peace only after he returns to his homeland and avenges the slaughter of his family. Meanwhile, Laura, his rebellious foster sister, is striving to find forgiveness for her part in a serious hit-and-run accident, and believes that redemption will come if she follows Kaninda to Africa. As the teens become peripherally involved in street-gang activities, they struggle to find salvation from the wars raging within. Readers are forced to take a long hard look at the tragic causes and effects of violence before judging the characters' actions. Ages 14-up. (Mar.)