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. Dealing with challenging themes, War is a graphic novel most suited to Year 6 and up, which should be read sensitively with students, taking into account any past experiences that may be triggered by the content. Yet it is an important read, allowing space for discussion around war, what it is, who are the victims and who has a voice as well as the power of family, friendship and the meaning of home.
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. This powerful story also serves as a reminder that children are tragically affected by conflict, being the least involved in such matters, but often the most seriously affected.
The book also contains a compelling and true short story about Arsenii, a boy whose family escaped the war in Ukraine and finally settled in the UK after a traumatic journey through different countries.
Both stories are thought-provoking and would be valued empathy reads.
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. When their paths cross, both must decide whether trust is possible in the midst of war.
Although connected to Illegal and Global through its focus on the human consequences of global events, War works perfectly as a standalone read. The subject matter is approached with sensitivity and compassion, never losing sight of the impact of conflict on ordinary people, particularly children. The addition of refugee testimony and contextual material further strengthens its educational value.
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. It is an excellent addition to both classroom and library collections.
I read "War" in a single sitting and found myself engaged from the start. The reader is left in no doubt about the precariousness of the situation the main protagonist finds herself in and is compelled to read on.
Firstly, an admission. I am an adult who does not normally read graphic novels. Therefore it is possible that I have failed to pick up on some subtleties in this book.
I read “War” in a single sitting and found myself engaged from the start. The reader is left in no doubt about the precariousness of the situation the main protagonist finds herself in and is compelled to read on.
Whilst the authors take pains not to name the city where the action takes place, I found my thoughts constantly directed towards Ukraine. A few carefully placed illustrations try to draw the reader away from this conclusion. For example, a netball post (not that of similar games like basketball and korfball) is used to depict a missed school sports fixture and netball is not played in eastern Europe.
Overall this is a compelling read. The graphic format allows for an immediacy that is often difficult to portray by words alone. However I missed the opportunity to read between the lines and to reflect on what I had just read that you get when reading text.
A gripping story in graphic novel style that is a rapid read, it will appeal to readers as an introduction to graphic novels and to KS3 reluctant readers.
This did not appeal to my 10-year-old reluctant readers in the way I had hoped, I think the graphics were too dark and sombre to catch their interest although the reading level and style was ok for them. I think the audience for what is a gripping story may be those who are already enthusiastic readers as an introduction to graphic novels rather than the other way round, or it may appeal to a slightly older age group who are not expecting the bright simplicity of most novels aimed at KS2 readers.
It could also inform other parts of the curriculum.