by R.J. Palacio
Scott County Library paperback 216 pages
Maud Hart Lovelace Award Nominee 2022-23
Published: 2019
Genre: YA graphic novel, historical fiction
This book was beautiful and compelling. Beginning in a modern day setting with a grandson calling his grandmère to ask about her experience in WWII, the novel touched on so much more than Nazis and the Holocaust. I love the way Palacio wove in themes of bullying, defending, bystanders, kindness, . . .
It is well written and well illustrated. I may put this on my wish list! I do love how effectively graphic novels can tell stories.
Sara and Julien (aka "Tourteau" - the crab, due to the effects of polio on his legs) are classmates in France. Sara is Jewish; Julien is disabled. Sara's father wants to leave France in the 1930s, but her mother insists they are in the safe zone (under the Vichy government) and they should wait and see. Alas, they wait too long.
My favorite character is the teacher Mlle Petitjean. She was inspired by real life Daniel Trocmé, a schoolmaster and nephew of Reverend Trocmé, the inspiration for the character of Pastor Luc.
This is a wonderful book and a great reminder to Never Forget!
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