A Game for Swallows by Zeina Abirached –OPTIONAL

Abirached, Zeina  A Game for Swallows: To Die, To Leave, To Return 192 pgs. Graphic Universe, 2012. $12.49.  (Rating: PG light mentions of violence, smoking, drinking).

Zeina’s parents leave her and her little brother home alone while they go to visit family. This doesn't sound too scary, except Zeina and her family live in war torn Lebanon –specifically Beirut. The constant danger and violence leave the children vulnerable.  The community in their building comes together to keep the children occupied and distracted from the worry about their parents.

This graphic novel does a wonderful job of its portrayal of one evening in the lives of normal people living through these events. The history of the events isn't presented, instead we find out a bit about how the lives of each of the characters have been affected by those events.  Features dramatic eye catching and unique illustrations, top notch for a graphic novel. While a great read -its really only going to be relevant if this topic is part of your curriculum or you have some support material (like books on the war), so that this novel has some foundational context. 

MS, HS  –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.