The Wooden Ox

The sound of her brother's scream echoed on and on in her head as though it would never end. "Let me go!" she demanded stupidly in English. The African boy dug his nails into Keri's arm and brought the knife closer to her face. Civil war is tearing apart Mozambique, Africa. And whether she realizes it or not the war is about to become very real to Keri Anderson. While bringing food and clothes to a village in desperate need, the Anderson family is stranded in the middle of enemy territory and kidnapped by armed rebels. By night the Andersons and some friendly villagers are forced to march deep into the bush. When Vovô, Keri's African "grandfather," is left behind on the trail to die, Keri is furious with her dad for letting it happen and terrified for her own safety. What if the rebels decided she was holding them up? What if they left her behind as well? Would Dad protect her? Or would he abandon her like Vovô? Who do you trust when no one can protect you and even God doesn't seem to care?