Tuesday, July 23, 2013

War Brothers: The Graphic Novel by Sharon E. McKay –ADVISABLE

Mckay, Sharon E. War Brothers: The Graphic Novel 176 pgs. Annick Press, 2013. $13.15.  Content: Language: PG (0 swears); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: R.
Jacob is just a normal 14 year old boy. He lives in Uganda and is just being sent to boarding school. But a terrible group of rebel soldiers are kidnapping children to fight in the LRA. They attack Jacob’s school and he and his friends are put in a terrible situation, set against each other, and fighting for survival. When an opportunity comes for escape, Jacob embraces it. If he ever makes it home will he be welcomed as a boy or spurned as a damaged soldier?
Based on real life accounts, this graphic novel format presents this ongoing tragedy with a level of reality that just can’t be achieved through text only. I think the ending was the worst part for me, mirroring Vietnam vets in some ways. The violence is heart wrenching and intense. The sexual brutality is only hinted at without any illustrated details. Students studying modern history would find this novel compelling.  

HS –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

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