Examines the plight of child soldiers who are used by government forces and other military groups around the world as combatants, spies, porters, human land-mine detectors, and sexual slaves; analyzes the lives of these boys and girls within armed groups; discusses the impacts of these experiences on their lives; and considers the issues of reintegration into normal society, and how to prevent the problem.

Child victims, young combatants -- Entry into armed groups -- Inside armed groups -- Girl soldiers -- Health and HIV/AIDS -- The invisible wounds of war -- Putting down the gun -- The transition to civilian life -- Community reconciliation, justice, and protection -- Prevention.