Ishmael Beah Prediction

What can you predict about the story from the back and front cover of the book?
As I looked at the front and back of A Long Way Gone, I’ve predicted that the story will take place in Sierra Leone, Africa. On the back cover, there is a summary that describes what Ishmael Beah had experienced as a very young child. The photograph on the front cover is a visual representation of the book. From this picture, I can predict that Ishmael was forced to carry many weapons and he is walking often to each destination. I came to this prediction because the boy in the picture is carrying many weapons and I can only assume that it wasn’t his choice to carry a lot of weapons on his back due to the exhaustion on his face. I came to the prediction that Ishmael walked a lot because in the photo, there are holes on the heels of his shoes and the straps are breaking apart.
What does the title tell you about the story?
The title A Long Way Gone tells me that the story follows the life of a young boy who had encountered war first hand. As stated in the title, this is a memoir written by the soldier in the book. Since this is

a memoir, the readers of this book can infer that the author will explain many of his thoughts and feelings personally on the events that had taken place. The author may also point out decisions and actions he wishes he had done differently.
Were you right about your prediction? How do you know?
After reading the first chapter of A Long Way Gone I believe my predictions were proven correctly, although my prediction of Ishmael being forced to carry many weapons has not been proven yet.

My prediction of Ishmael walking often is proven correct on page 8 paragraph 2 which states, “At Kabati, we ate, rested a bit, and started the last six miles.” Another part of chapter one that proves my prediction is correct is on page 7 paragraph 4. This page states “To save money, we decided to walk the sixteen miles.” These statements from the book prove that my prediction of Ishmael walking often correct. My other prediction of the setting taking place in Sierra Leone, Africa correct. This was shown on the page titled “New York City, 1998” The conversation shows people asking Ishmael “Why did you leave Sierra Leone?” This proves that the story takes place in Sierra

Leone.
What do you think the problem or conflict will be in the story?
I think the conflict of the story will involve rebels and their violent ways to harm Sierra Leone and the people who call it home. I came to this prediction because page 9 paragraph 2 states “According to the teacher, the rebels had attacked the mining areas in the afternoon. The sudden outburst of gun fire had caused people to run for their lives in different directions.” These sentences support Gibrilla’s statement on page 9 paragraph 4 of “This town will be next, according to the teachers.” These quotations from A Long Way Gone are focused on the rebels’ first attacks and what Ishmael and his friends knew about the all so sudden event.