Ishmael Beah is a renowned Sierra Leonean author, best known for his literary fiction and non-fiction books. He was born in Sierra Leone and emigrated to the United States in 1998, where he completed high school. Beah went on to earn a B.A. in political science from Oberlin College. He has since become a respected voice on the effects of war on children, serving as a member of the Human Rights Watch Children’s Rights Division Advisory Committee. Beah is a passionate human rights activist and has spoken at various NGO panels on the subject. He currently resides in New York City.
Beah was born in Mogbwemo, Bonthe District, Sierra Leone, in 1980. When the Civil War broke out in Sierra Leone in 1991, Beah was forced to flee from his home and family. He spent several months wandering with a group of boys before being conscripted into the army as a child soldier when he was just 13 years old. After being rescued by UNICEF three years later, Beah was rehabilitated and eventually found his way to the United States.
As an author, Beah has achieved international acclaim for his work, which often explores historical fiction, young adult, coming of age, and cultural stories. His first book, “A Long Way Gone,” is a widely popular memoir that chronicles his experiences as a child soldier during the Sierra Leone Civil War. The book brought Beah critical success and solidified his place as a leading voice in literature. He has since published two more books, both of which have also been well-received by critics and readers alike.
In addition to his work as an author, Beah is also a dedicated human rights activist. He has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the effects of war on children and has spoken at various NGO panels and before the United Nations. Beah is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and advocate for Children by War, and a member of the Human Rights Watch Children Advisory Committed. He is committed to making a difference in the world and using his platform to create positive change. Beah currently lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife and three children.