This extraordinary little book gives us a glimpse into the world of a young boy who has lost his mother and one of his legs in the Iran-Iraq war. We meet the boy in his room, where he recreates the conflict with an imaginary enemy and soldiers, trying to avenge his losses. The boy's father urges him to take off his artificial leg when he is at home, to join his uncles and aunties who have arrived for dinner. But when he does, he finds out that they are all about to go off to meet his new mother.

Back in his room he meets an enemy soldier who is also missing a limb. Identifying with this soldier, the boy offers him his artificial leg. And as he does, his mother smiles down on him from her picture on the wall, acknowledging his hurt and giving him comfort.

About the Author
One of Iran's foremost writers, Ahmad Akbarpour lives in Shiraz, Iran. Morteza Zahedi has illustrated more than twenty books and has won many awards. He lives in Tehran, Iran. Visit Morteza Zahedi's website: http://mortezahedi.blogspot.com/ Helen Mixter is a translator who lives in Toronto, Ontario. Shadi Eskandani is a poet and translator who was born in Iran and who lives now in Toronto.

Reviews
A young boy who lost his leg - and his mother - in the Iran-Iraq war confronts an imaginary enemy and has an uplifting revelation. -- Stephanie Simpson McLellan * Today's Parent *
...an effective springboard for thought and discussion about war's effects on the innocent. -- John Peters * Booklist *
In its excellent English translation, it can now help western readers understand the suffering of children who live in war zones or have disabilities... "Good Night, Commander" makes peace from even the worst of situations. -- Charlotte Richardson * papertigers.org *
A powerful messge in just 24 pages. -- Marilynne Black * CM *
...unusual and disquieting... * School Library Journal *


Awards
Commended for CCBC Our Choice (Starred Selection) 2004 (Canada).



Book Information
ISBN 9780888999894
Author Ahmad Akbarpour
Format Hardback
Page Count 24
Imprint Groundwood Books Ltd ,Canada
Publisher Groundwood Books Ltd ,Canada
Weight(grams) 297g
Dimensions(mm) 209mm * 209mm * 12mm