*Catherine’s War by Julia Billet

An excellent new graphic novel translated into English, Catherine’s War tells the story of one Jewish girl’s life in occupied France, often through the lens of her rolodex.

*Catherine’s War by Julia Billet. HarperAlley, 2020. 176 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-12

Recommended For: Ages 8 – 15

Sophie Cohen loves life at her new school —it’s a modern one, finding and encouraging the students’ interests.  Sophie has discovered photography and loves taking pictures and teaching the other students. But nothing is certain in France in 1942.  Soon Sophie and the other Jewish students are sent away and so begins Sophie’s journey through France, with a new name and identity. 

The premise of this story, a photographer’s journey, makes it an excellent graphic novel. What’s more, the illustrations are interesting and capture people —almost as artistically as the illustrated photographs.

While the darkness of war is hinted at, nothing graphic is shown.  The tone is matter of fact, but readers who are familiar with WWII will understand the many dangers and sorrows that Sophie faces as she comes of age during the Nazi occupation of France.  Sophie doesn’t believe in any God, but she loves her art and in time finds that she loves to teach and help children.

Since 1966, the American Library Association has given the (Mildred L.) Batchelder Award to recognize outstanding children’s literature that has been translated into English. Catherine’s War was a 2020 Batchelder Honor book, and both WWII history lovers and middle grade graphic novel enthusiasts will agree that it is deserving of the recognition.

Considerations:

• Sophie’s lack of personal faith is a good conversation starter for what many young people believed (or didn’t believe) during World War II.
• Sensitive readers should be aware of war subject matter, see above paragraph.
• Once a boy helps Sophie in a dark room as she processes her photographs—mature readers might be nervous by this panel, but it is clear that nothing happens.

Overall Rating: 4.75 out of 5

• Worldview/Moral Rating: 4.75 out of 5
• Literary/Artistic Rating: 5 out of 5

Related Reading From Redeemed Reader

• A Review: *When Stars Are Scattered —another excellent graphic novel featuring the contemporary refugee experience.
• A Resource: Heroes of WWII: A Booklist for Tweens and Teens
• A Reflection: Are Graphic Novels “Literature”?

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