Catherine’s War
Catherine’s War by Julia Billet is an illustrated narrative published by HarperCollinsPublishers in 2020, comprising 154 pages. This book presents a story inspired by true events, focusing on a young girl named Rachel Cohen, who discovers her passion for photography while living at the Sèvres Children’s Home near Paris. As the Nazi regime tightens its grip on France, Rachel must adopt a new identity as Catherine Colin and navigate the dangers of war, all while capturing her experiences through her camera.
Readers will find a compelling exploration of survival and identity as Catherine bears witness to her journey and the acts of bravery that surround her. The narrative delves into themes of coming of age and the impact of war on personal lives, enriched by historical context. This edition also includes a map and photographs related to the real Catherine’s experiences, along with an interview with the author, providing additional insights into the story’s background and significance.
Official synopsis Publisher
“A shining story of a young girl who struggles to come of age and find her place in a world fraught with danger.” –Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Newbery Honor-winning author of Hitler Youth
* Winner of the Youth Prize at the Angoulême International Comics Festival (voted by readers) * Winner of the Artémisia Prize for Historical Fiction * Winner of the Andersen Premio Prize *
A magnificent narrative inspired by a true survival story that asks universal questions about a young girl’s coming of age story, her identity, her passions, and her first loves.
At the Sèvres Children’s Home outside Paris, Rachel Cohen has discovered her passion–photography. Although she hasn’t heard from her parents in months, she loves the people at her school, adores capturing what she sees in pictures, and tries not to worry too much about Hitler’s war. But as France buckles under the Nazi regime, danger closes in, and Rachel must change her name and go into hiding.
As Catherine Colin, Rachel Cohen is faced with leaving the Sèvres Home–and the friends she made there–behind. But with her beautiful camera, Catherine possesses an object with the power to remember. For the rest of the war, Catherine bears witness to her own journey, and to the countless heroes whose courage and generosity saved the lives of many, including her own.
Based on the author’s mother’s own experiences as a hidden child in France during World War II, Catherine’s War is one of the most accessible historical graphic novels featuring a powerful girl since Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi–perfect for fans of Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, Anne Frank, or Helen Keller.
Includes a map and photographs of the real Catherine and her wartime experiences, as well as an interview with author Julia Billet.
“Many of the settings are beautifully detailed, and the characters undeniably expressive. Catherine’s ability to find beauty in the world makes for a forward-looking read.” –Booklist *(starred review)*
“This story will make readers want to join the Resistance. Characters are drawn so vividly that, long afterward, readers will remember their names.” –Kirkus
An Indie Next List Pick!
*A Junior Library Guild selection*
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