No Taller Than My Gun

Book excerpt: Twisty fast-paced story of genius, hope, and family set amid the chaos and bloodshed of the Congo of the near future. When 15-year-old Lemba Adula and his twin sister flee their war-imperiled village, they have no idea what's in store for them. Lemba becomes a drone-loving computer whiz in the mega-city of Kinshasa, while Josiane aspires to be a rumba star. But murderous gun-worshippers kidnap the brilliant techie, and to keep his parents safe, he must fight for the wrong side. He must even become a sea-going pirate. Meanwhile Josiane faces different menaces as bad as his. Only Lemba can save her. And for now, he is a captive of the thuggish Congolese Purification Army--led by a seven-foot whackjob all too handy with his AK-47 and machete. As Lemba fights both the Purifiers and their enemies, he also battles to keep his humanity while protecting the people he loves. The Congolese rebels pride themselves on not letting their child soldiers escape alive, but they've never met Lemba Adula. Lemba is headed for greatness. But first he must survive. Just how? Told as Lemba's war memoir. A compelling, inspirational story for young adults and older.