Fall Reading 2013 A Bag of Marbles

I just read A Bag of Marbles. It is a graphic novel adaptation of the book by Joseph Joffo*, based on a true story from his life during World War II. It tells how he and his brother traveled from German-occupied Paris to safety, and eventually returned to Paris after its liberation. Readers will enjoy the danger and tense moments, along with the way the brothers are able to outsmart soldiers looking for Jews. The people on both sides of the conflict are shown with good and bad traits, not just caricatures.

The map and notes at the end would be helpful for readers who want to learn more about that time in history, or teachers might use it in social studies class as part of a WWII unit. I'm not sure we could use it at the elementary level because there are a few times where characters swear, but it would definitely work with older grades.

*Joseph Joffo was born 1931. He is a French author who is best known for his memoirs Un sac de billes (A Bag of Marbles), which has been translated into eighteen languages. 

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley. The book will be released in stores on October 1, 2013. You can find more information on the publisher's website.