Book cover of Burma Boy

Book description

A few months ago fourteen-year-old Ali Banana was apprenticed to a whip-wielding blacksmith in his rural hometown. Now its winter 1944, the war is entering its most crucial stage and Ali is a private in Thunder Brigade. His unit has been given orders to go behind enemy lines and wreak…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Burma Boy as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book is a fictionalized and sometimes humorous account of a fourteen-year-old who ran away to join the army. It highlights the African soldiers who fought in World War 2 as part of the British army and is based on the experience of the author’s own father.

As mentioned above, the existence of this book and others like it contradicts what I had been taught during those very long-winded history lessons at school…

From Lola's list on Black British history.

If you love Burma Boy...

Ad

Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

Want books like Burma Boy?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Burma Boy.

Browse books like Burma Boy

Book cover of Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging
Book cover of Small Island
Book cover of Black and British: A Forgotten History

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Burma Boy, you might also like...

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

5 book lists we think you will like!