Abirached, Z. (2012). A game for swallows: to die, to leave, to return. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.
Age Range: 12 – 18 years
Grade Level: 7 – 12
Lexile Measure: GN680L
Response
War is polarizing. It ruins lives, kills, and destroys. Ironically, it can also bring people closer together as they support each other to survive the hardships of war. Abirachad’s autobiographical graphic novel, A Game for Swallows, is a perfect depiction of how friends and family endure war and carry on to the best of their abilities. The novel is illustrated primarily in striking black images with white outlines. The social and emotional affects of war can be felt through the bold illustrations and simple text. The story takes place over one night where a group of neighbors are hunkering in a small space to avoid the bombings right outside. They have all lost something during the war, whether it be their homes, jobs, school, or loved ones. Some are looking for a way to escape to battle-free countries and others are trying to make the best of the situation. Not only is this an important story to be told, but the style of Abirachad’s illustrations are powerful and should not be missed.
Critique
The author primarily writes from the point of view of her younger self. There are times when you feel the innocence of a child’s perspective. Even though bombs are crashing right outside their home, the children still want to play and eat their favorite dessert. However, the back stories of the characters allow you to see a point of view that is not from a child. These insights into the past are a distinct contrast to the lives the neighbors are currently experiencing. They were models, architects, french teachers, night club owners…but now they are all simply trying to make it through one more night. It was a genius artistic decision to illustrate the novel entirely in black and white because it masterfully portrays the dichotomy of war.
Lesson Idea
After reading A Game for Swallows, students will complete a detailed cultural representation diagram of the similarities and differences in their culture and the culture represented in the novel with written comparisons and black and white illustrations.
Standards for 8th grade:
CCSS.ELA.W.9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
CCSS.EL.RL.1: Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
Discussion Questions:
- What details did you notice in the illustrations?
- Which character did you relate to and why?
- Did you notice any cultural elements that are different or the same as your life?
Resources
Cultural Representation Diagram Example
Trisha's University Blog 