What are some of the strange behaviors, or quirks about Ishmael?

Ishmael is playful in a way that many other kids in his region are not. Despite his many challenges, he tries to form a rap band and perform. His childhood ended, Beah resorts to survivalist tactics to stay alive; he steals when he needs to, roams in packs of boys his own age who have been orphaned, and he spends long stretches of time alone in the forest.