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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