Primary source material: This is the translated diary of a French soldier during World War 1 (August and September of 1914) . It is illustrated in a graphic novel style by a French artist/ cartoonist. It's a fantastic book. The writing isn't fabulous; it's just the thoughts of a guy keeping a record of his life after he signed up for battle. There's not a pro-war or anti-war agenda in this book (The solder isn't a philosopher, nor does he discuss a whole lot of ideas.) For a child-friendly first hand account into a life of a ww1 soldier, this is a fantastic choice. The pictures add a great deal to the words. They are drawn in a sober, but simple and non-sensational style. (Check out the website with the same name as the book for more background and resources for teaching this book.)

French author/illustrator Barroux rescued a anonymous soldier's diary among some belongings being discarded on the street and adapted it into a graphic novel. The diary chronicles the opening two months of the Great War as experiences by a French infantryman, which offers readers an unusual personal perspective. Found this little gem browsing new titles in my local public library. Nothing like serendipity! ( )