Michel Chikwanine — Author

Biography

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Michel Chikwanine has experienced civil war, political upheaval and poverty, emerging as an individual wise beyond his years. Forced by these circumstances to leave his home country at the age of 11 as a refugee, Michel has since traveled to 35 African countries, witnessing firsthand the problems faced by the developing world, but also the beauty of the communities and people who live there.

Much of his childhood was ravaged by the death and decay of a war that claimed the lives of 5.8 million people — his father included — and forced him to be a child soldier. Michel now inspires people to believe in their ability to make a difference and leaves audiences with a new perspective on life, a sense of hope through social responsibility and a desire for change.

Today, Michel is an accomplished motivational speaker and the co-author of Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War. Michel addresses audiences across North America and has spoken to over 100 000 people. He has shared the stage with such distinguished speakers as Free The Children founders Craig and Marc Kielburger, Dr. Jane Goodall, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former Canadian prime minister Paul Martin, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, former U.S. vice president Al Gore, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr., Nobel Peace Prize laureate Betty Williams, actress Mia Farrow and musician K'naan, just to name a few. He was also a speaker on Oprah’s “O Ambassadors Roots of Action” speaking tour, largely reaching students at resource-poor schools.

By sharing his personal story, Michel has captured the attention of national media, including CBC, CTV and major daily newspapers, as he inspires people to believe in their ability to create change.

Awards

Child Soldier

2018 - Non-Fiction Award, Grand Canyon Reader Awards, Short-listed
2017 - Red Maple Non-Fiction Award, Ontario Library Association, Winner
2017 - Golden Oak Award, Ontario Library Association, Short-listed
2016 - 2016 Book of the Year for Children Award, Canadian Library Association, Short-listed
2016 - Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred, Canadian Children’s Book Centre, Winner
2016 - 2016/2017 Children’s Choice Book Award, Hackmatack, Long-listed
2016 - ALSC Notable Children’s Books - 2016 (Older Readers), American Library Association, Long-listed
2016 - Honor Book, Skipping Stones, Winner
2016 - Information Book Award, Children’s Literature Roundtable of Canada, Short-listed
2016 - 2016 Great Graphic Novels for Teens, YALSA, Long-listed
2016 - Best Publication for Kids, Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, Long-listed
2015 - Best Bets Junior Non-Fiction, Ontario Library Association, Winner