This book explores the long-term psychosocial reintegration of former child soldiers through the lens of a longitudinal study spanning more than two decades – an underutilized approach in trauma and conflict research – with a specific focus on youth impacted by Sierra Leone’s 1991–2002 civil war, during which an estimated 20,000 children were coerced into combat, sexual servitude, or violence. Theresa Betancourt conceptualizes ‘resilience’ not as an individual trait, as is common in traditional trauma studies, but as a process shaped by communities and systems. Compared with short-term post-conflict studies that often prioritize immediate trauma symptoms, this longitudinal work captures evolving outcomes over decades, delineating how family warmth, community acceptance, and systemic support (rather than isolated personal grit) shape healing trajectories. Building on this framework, the book traces the lived experiences of over 500 former child soldiers across five key phases: war’s immediate impact, journeys home, social reintegration, community healing, and intergenerational reconstruction, weaving in vivid case studies (such as a former captive who became a community physician). In doing so, it restores overlooked dynamics – including striking gender differences and the disruption of crises like the 2014 Ebola outbreak – details often missing from cross-sectional research. The focus on Sierra Leone may limit broad generalizability. However, it offers a clear view of how contextual factors shape trauma recovery and provides practical insights for psychosocial interventions. Unlike previous studies that label war-affected youth a ‘lost generation’, the book makes a profound contribution to peacebuilding. It offers a vital complement to our understanding of war’s intergenerational impacts.