Boy Kills Man (by Matt Whyman)
common sense media says
Powerful but mature novel about child assassins.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a rough book, both in content and in subject. There is swearing, brutal violence (several murders are described, including one with a baseball bat), drugs, alcohol, and smoking. But none of this is as disturbing as the subject: child assassins working for Medellin drug lords. Through this story, readers will learn about the hardships these kids face, and understand better why they make the choices they do. They will also be asked to think about some critical questions, from who is to blame for the drug war, to when someone stops being a victim and becomes a criminal.
Educational value:
May inspire readers to learn about the actual drug war, and also think critically about a series of issues, like who is a victim and who is a criminal.
Positive role models:
The protagonists here are child assasins who commit terrible acts, but they do put a human face on a very unsettling story. Readers will learn about the hardships they face, and understand better why they make the choices they do.
Violence:
The main characters become child-assassins. Several murders described, including one with a baseball bat. Sonny is abused by his uncle and beaten on the street. Some gruesome torture is described. A child is forced to kill himself.
Sex:
A reference to testicles. References to prostitution (both child and adult), and to oral sex.
Language:
Plenty of moderate swearing.
Consumerism:
Cigarette brands.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Drug dealers rule the streets, and young boys admire them and work for them. The boys are given drugs before each hit so that they don't back out. They also sell and smoke contraband cigarettes and marijuana, and drink alcohol.
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