Around the world, young people under the age of eighteen serve in militaries and as part of armed groups. Their experiences vary from carefully controlled, such as the stories of sixteen-year-old soldiers in the British Armed Forces, to harrowing, such as the cases of teens who are forced to take up arms or face violence to themselves or their families. This book spans the globe, looking at the experiences of young soldiers to contextualize their role in world events, relate the circumstances of their daily lives, and help readers understand how teen soldiers' lives are similar to other teens' in ways both big and small.

Introduction: across the world, right next door -- Teen soldiers today -- Teen soldiers in Africa -- Teen soldiers in the United States and the United Kingdom -- Teen soldiers in Asia -- Looking ahead.