Two young survivors of a horrific conflict become even closer when their families unite to endure what no child should ever have to endure in our new title, Friendship In A Time of War. Author Genet Telahun reflects on the chaotic trauma of civil war and the power of friendship through the eyes of second-grader Maritu, who is growing up in a small Ethiopian town. In simple, heartbreakingly candid chapters, she documents her friendship with Halima, whose father is the "best 6th grade science teacher" and a family friend. When conflict comes to their peaceful community, their worlds are upturned and their families must face unimaginable grief. Their love and friendship forms the foundation of a strong community that unites them in the face of tragedy and supports them as they grieve and rebuild. Artist Milkyas Nigussie brings the moments of joy and heartbreak into soft detail and Dr Worku Mulat provides expert translation. This book deals with potentially triggering topics, including loss of parent. Open Hearts Big Dreams Ready Set Go (OHBD-RSG) Books were created to help increase the literacy rate in Ethiopia through giving readers books with stories in their heart languages, full of colorful illustrations with Ethiopian settings and details. Profits from book sales are used to create, print, and distribute more OHBD-RSG books to kids in Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous country. Ethiopia's population has a high percentage of children ages 0-14. Only a small percentage attend pre-school or kindergarten, and the adult literacy rate is around 50%. Some of our books are based on wise Ethiopian sayings that often rhyme in Amharic. If an adult says the first half, many children can chant the second half. Sometimes the meaning of these sayings is clear. Sometimes it has to be puzzled out and argued over. But sayings and idioms and proverbs help people express truths and beliefs in unusual ways. Other books are based on STEAM topics, cooking, colors, counting and more. Since late 2017, OHBD has published over 150 unique OHBD-RSG bilingual titles in a number of Ethiopian, African and global languages plus English and has plans to publish more titles and add more languages. New titles or languages are added monthly; follow our author page to get new release announcements. Open Hearts Big Dreams Fund (OHBD) is a 501(3)(c) not for profit organization that believes the chance to dream big dreams should not depend on where in the world you are born. Our mission is