Character List and Analysis
Laura Simms
Laura Simms is a storyteller in New York City. She and Ishmael bond when he visits the United Nations to share his story of being a boy soldier. Laura invites all the children from the delegation back to her home at the conclusion of the conference. For Ishmael, Laura represents an outsider who truly cares about the fate of children in war-torn countries. She listens to and honors their stories and teaches them how to share their stories with the world.
Once Ishmael returns to Sierra Leone, Laura writes often and sends him money. When Ishmael escapes the country, he makes his way to the United States and Laura becomes his foster mother. Like with Esther and Tommy, Laura's compassion and unconditional love allow Ishmael to begin trusting again and pave the way for his bright future.