Summary of the Book: Part 2

Ishmael and his friends are very confused and filled with horror. They try to drown out the chords of catastrophe by memorizing more hip-hop lyrics and working on their act while they seek news of their families. Though the boys are constantly on the verge of starvation and exhaustion, the hope that their families are safe keeps the group from giving up. However, each time they are taken in and cared for by villagers, violence finds them and they are forced to flee once more. In one narrow escape, Ishmael runs into the bush without looking back. He doesn't have time to find his brother, Junior. He will never see him again. Suddenly, Ishmael is alone. He roams the forest, desperately searching for food, stealing fruit from the birds, evading the wild pigs. After wandering in the forest for a month, he finally encounters some boys he recognizes from his old school. They are heading toward the village of Yele, rumored to be safe because it is occupied by government troops. Ishmael joins them, relieved to have company. One night, something seems off in the forest: a dead bird falls out of the sky; there are no stars, and the darkness feels as thick as a blanket. Suddenly, a ghostly trio crosses the boys' path, forcing them to hide. During the frightening ordeal, Ishmael's friend Saidu randomly faints. The boys carry him to the next village to get help. There, Ishmael finally receives word that his family is safe and in a nearby village. But his happiness is quickly shattered by Saidu's sudden, strange death.