Graphic Novel Review: Catherine's War

Rachel discovered photography at school, and it changed her life. She hasn't heard from parents in months. She isn't sure what's happening, but the war is getting closer. Rachel is Jewish. It's no longer safe in France. 

At first, Rachel has to change her name and learn a new identity. She becomes Catherine. And then she has to leave her friends and her new home. She travels to a new place where she remembers to take pictures. Catherine doesn't let the war stop her from making friends, but she's never out of danger.

She travels to new places, always leaving a part of her behind, but always taking a piece with her in photographic evidence. 

My Thoughts: I really loved this graphic novel. It was an interesting look at WWII through a photographer's eyes. I felt so bad for Rachel and her friends. But I was also impressed by their willingness to move again and again. I'm so impressed by the people who took in these children, who gave them a good home, and who cared for them. It must have been so hard, so scary, and so devastating when you had to move again or when you were split up from those you grew to care about. So much courage in this graphic novel. This story was based on the author's mother's experience. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: my library

Library Recommendation: A must have graphic novel collection for your school and public library. 

Upcoming Review: Girl on a Plane

After spending the summer of 1970 with her parents, Anna's flying back to England for fall term at boarding school. There's been some talk of hijacking planes, but Anna never imagines it would happen to her.

But it does.

The terrorists land the plan in a dessert in Jordan. It's really hot during the days and cold at nights. They run out of food and clean water. The bathroom situation is a nightmare.

There are kids on the plane.

The terrorists threaten to blow up the plane if their person is not released form a British prison. Fifteen is too young to die. Anna hasn't begun to live. But as each hour passes, she's knows it could be her last.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I liked the moments on the plane with Anna. I loved Tim and David. Tim added some much needed comic relief. Although we know how the story's outcome, it's still a wild ride. I liked learning more about the terrorists themselves and their reasoning for committing such an act. I really liked the emotions of the story and how they changed over the days. I enjoyed the author's note that detailed how the fictional account was different from her real life experience.

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: September 13, 2016
Library Recommendation: Recommended for YA collections