Child Soldier. Refugee. Lawyer: Deng Thiak Adut announced as NSW State Finalist in 2017 Australian of the Year Awards. Deng Thiak Adut's brutal yet inspiring life story is outlined in his book, Songs of a War Boy. Read more by Anastasia Hadjidemetri | October 21, 2016 2 comments Australian of the Year Awards.AutobiographyChild soldierDeng AdutDeng Thiak AdutRefugee.