Chronicles the refugee experiences of four young Sudanese men as they enter mainstream American life. The phrase “Lost Boys of the Sudan?” describes approximately 3,800 young men who had been orphaned during the brutal war in the Sudan during the 1980s and were granted asylum to the United States in 2000. The journalist, Mark Bixler, captures the refugees’ arrival and newfound discoveries of basic modern life such as electricity, plumbing, banking, mass transit, and shopping. Once the initial excitement passes, the men make the arduous, yet ultimately successful, transition to finding work, achieving an education, and becoming independent. Each boy tells of his personal journey through the Sudanese Civil war as well as the political and religious situations that converged to create the war. Additional material on U.S. refugee policies, international aid policies, and the post-9/11 reaction to refugees and resettlement programs is provided. The challenges and motivations of the social workers and volunteers assisting in the transition are captured as well. (IP)
