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A review by maryehavens
Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood: A World War I Tale by Nathan Hale
3.0
I think Hale bit off a bit more than what can be contained in a graphic novel of this size. He admits that (or the research babies do) at the end. Each battle seemed like one more confusing plot point with thousands, if not millions, of lives lost. So, in terms of getting a snapshot of the devastating magnitude of loss in WWI, yes, this graphic novel was brilliant. I just wanted a bit of time to breathe before the next massive loss of life.
I appreciated the use of animals to portray all the different countries/moving parts of WWI. I learned the difference between nationalism and patriotism too, a lesson that is sorely needed in our current times.
I love Hale's works and I am recommending them to everyone with elementary aged children. This particular volume is my son's favorite (mostly because of the animals) but the complexity of the story was a bit much for me. I am glad he chose WWI because it is so eclipsed by WWII. And I appreciate that he was critical of America's involvement (or lack thereof). Patriotism, not nationalism.
I appreciated the use of animals to portray all the different countries/moving parts of WWI. I learned the difference between nationalism and patriotism too, a lesson that is sorely needed in our current times.
I love Hale's works and I am recommending them to everyone with elementary aged children. This particular volume is my son's favorite (mostly because of the animals) but the complexity of the story was a bit much for me. I am glad he chose WWI because it is so eclipsed by WWII. And I appreciate that he was critical of America's involvement (or lack thereof). Patriotism, not nationalism.