Episode 162: 10 minutes with Yuot A. Alaak

June 19, 2024

In episode 162 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast:

10 minutes with Yuot A. Alaak

Allison interviews Yuot A. Alaak about the young readers edition of his extraordinary memoir FATHER OF THE LOST BOYS, blending the personal and the global and … adopted puppies. Plus, Megan has a great tip for educators planning for CBCA Book Week.

Books we mention

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Bookmail and TBR pile

‘Yanga Mother’ by Cheryl Leavy. Illustrated by Christopher Bassi

‘A Leaf Called Greaf’ by Kelly Canby

Now for the Good News by Planet Ark

10 minutes with Yuot A. Alaak

Yuot A. Alaak is an Australian writer whose memoir, Father of the Lost Boys, was shortlisted for the City of Fremantle Hungerford Award (2019), the Western Australian Premier’s Book Award (2020) and the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Award (2021).

The Young Readers Edition Father Of The Lost Boys: The Mecak Ajang Alaak Story is out now through Fremantle Press.

Find out more about Yuot A. Alaak.

About Father Of The Lost Boys: The Mecak Ajang Alaak Story (Young Readers)

The inspiring true story of a teacher and community leader who led twenty thousand Lost Boys to safety during the Second Sudanese Civil War – now available for younger readers.

During the Second Sudanese Civil War, thousands of South Sudanese boys were displaced or orphaned. In 1989, teacher and community leader Mecak Ajang Alaak lead the Lost Boys on a four-year journey from Ethiopia to Kenya to protect them from becoming child soldiers. This is the account of that extraordinary true story as told by his son, Yuot, who walked beside him every step of the way. It is an inspiring tale about a man who never ceased to believe that the pen is mightier than the gun.

Find out more.