Sally Nicholls chose War as her Guest Editor's Book of the Month - Kat is a teenage graffiti artist living with her parents and younger sister in an unnamed city, when war comes. Kat’s parents are desperate to escape. But when her father is arrested by the invaders, Kat knows she has to rescue him.
She just has to figure out how … Colfer is great at writing young people and family relations, and Kat and her little sister Deena felt very real. He also conveys how quickly the unimaginable becomes ordinary. The graphic novel is mostly about Kat, but also features sections from Adam, a young conscript in the invading army who misses his farm and is, in a different way, another victim of the war.
The book deliberately doesn’t name the conflict, but Colfer took inspiration from conversations with Ukranian refugees. A moving and horribly plausible book.
A timely and thoughtful graphic novel about war, with glorious colour artwork throughout for children of all ages - from Eoin Colfer, previously Irish Children's Laureate, and the team behind Illegal, Global, and the bestselling Artemis Fowl graphic novels.
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Win a set of three powerful graphic novels from Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin and Giovanni Rigano!
Closing date: 30/09/2026
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War is a book that stays with you, that gets under your skin, that makes you think, 'What if...?'
War is the third graphic novel created by the talented trio of Eoin Colfer, Andrew Dolkin and Giovanni Rigano. It follows Kat, a teenage graffiti artist who, at the start of the book, many could relate to - she could be any teenager anywhere. But then, with little warning, War comes quickly and violently to her city, forcing her family to make difficult decisions about their future. Their plans for seeking safety are dramatically foiled and Kat makes a brave decision to protect those she loves. Juxtaposed with this narrative, the reader is introduced to a soldier on the opposing side and his connections to his own family, combined with the difficult decisions he must also make on his path. Cleverly crafted, the narrative is beautifully enhanced by Rigano's powerful imagery, telling further snippets of the story and bringing it to life.... Read Full Review
An empathetic, superbly crafted and beautifully illustrated story that demonstrates the futility of war and demonstrates that children are always the least responsible and most affected.
This is a beautifully illustrated and compellingly told story of Kat, a 14-year-old girl whose relatively comfortable life is torn apart by the sudden invasion of a foreign army. Her family and friends are forced to flee, but when her father is captured as they leave, Kat makes the courageous and risky decision to remain and attempt his rescue.
The authors cleverly advance the story through the eyes of both Kat and a reluctant young conscript from the opposing side: we learn about both their lives and how neither understands why the conflict is necessary. The fact that the occupied country and the invading force are unnamed illustrates that this could happen anywhere in the world.... Read Full Review
Timely, thought-provoking and deeply moving, War is a vital resource for discussing current affairs and for comparing and contrasting modern conflicts with wars studied throughout history.
Following the acclaimed graphic novels Illegal and Global, War reunites writer Eoin Colfer, co-writer Andrew Donkin and illustrator Giovanni Rigano. Like its predecessors, War explores a major contemporary issue through the eyes of young people, combining an accessible narrative with powerful artwork and a strong humanitarian message.
Set in an unnamed city under invasion, the story follows Kat, a fourteen-year-old graffiti artist whose world is shattered when her father is detained by occupying forces. Refusing to flee with her mother and younger sister, Kat remains behind in a desperate attempt to rescue him. Running parallel to her story is that of Adam, a young conscript struggling to understand the conflict he has been forced to join.... Read Full Review
A timely and thoughtful graphic novel about war, with glorious colour artwork throughout for children of all ages - from Eoin Colfer, previously Irish Children's Laureate, and the team behind Illegal, Global, and the bestselling Artemis Fowl graphic novels.War is set in an unnamed city in an unnamed country. It tells the story of Kat, a fourteen-year-old graffiti artist who finds her life turned upside down when her home city is invaded.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed War and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
War features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Books of the Month, Books Reviewed by our Reader Review Panels, Recommendations, Stories about Family and Friends, Warfare & Battles, Graphic Novels & Comics, American style / tradition comic books, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, Graphic novel / Comic book / Manga: styles / traditions
Paperback, Hardback. £15.29, down from the £16.99 cover price. In Stock.
War was written by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin and published by Hodder Children's Books an imprint of Hachette Children's Group
War has 144 pages
£15.29, reduced from £16.99. In Stock.
