The Enemy: A Book About Peace

The Enemy: A Book About Peace. Davide Cali. Illus. by Serge Bloch. New York: Schwartz & Wade books, 2009. 36 pages. $16.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-375-84500-0. Grades 2-4.

Two holes. Two soldiers. One message. Award winning author Davide Cali makes an eloquent, direct, and important statement about the futility of war through the mind of an unnamed soldier. Cali shines a powerful light on issues such as hunger, loneliness, and humanity in a discreet yet bold way. As Cali’s soldier sits in his hole he feels the world has forgotten him and wonders if it is up to him to win the war. The mixed media illustrations of Serge Bloch are simple, clean, and poignant, which make the reader see and feel just like the soldier. The one sided narration keeps readers in suspense while also showing how every one is alone in war. Readers will truly get the message when the solider realizes his enemy has a face, a family, and the same desire to live. The final image and note is a hope for truce and for peace. This is a simple, timeless story and message that will have readers thinking. Highly Recommended    

My Thoughts…

Wow! What a good book! I love how this story could be about any war in any country in any year. I love that it has a clear message that is easily understood by all. I like that the book starts before the title page, and I love how the illustrations build. The images are so simple, as is the text, but it shows and says so much. I would think this title would be controversial not supported by many individuals, especially in today’s climate, but I think it is hard to argue with the clear logic of the story. I think this book is especially great too because it will encourage discussion amongst its readers and will definitely make them think.     

Potential Reaction…

There are a few different opinions about war amongst adults, and I am sure even more exist among the younger target audience of this book. I definitely think conversation would be the result of any group reading of this book, and I am certain that any child who read it on their own would quickly rush to a parent to discuss or share it with them…or at least to ask questions. I do think that the simplistic boldness of this book would be lost on younger readers, but I think older kids will understand exactly what the message is. That being said, I fear that children of military parents would find this book insulting and demeaning. I fear that those in favor of today’s war would also have a negative reaction. I think if it was going to be used in a classroom or a program it would only be PC to hold off on sharing it. Other children may identify with the logic of the soldier and see how confused he is by fighting blindly. I think there will be a lot of questions and observations raised by this title, and I think anyone sharing it will need to be prepared for them.

Reminds Me Of…

I can’t think of any books that are this simple and this bold all at the same time. I feel like this is a cop out answer, but I have nothing to compare it to right now. I am sure that I will find something that reminds me of this book later in my quest.