Refresh Refresh, a different take on war

Reviewer: Gretchen Schroeder Date: 1/31/2010
Title: Refresh Refresh 
Author: Danica Novgorodoff, Benjamin Percy, James Ponsoldt
Publisher: First Second, 2009 
Available in Woodlynde Library

1. Why I picked up this book.
I picked up this graphic novel partly because of some of the buzz it has gotten in the young adult graphic novel world, and partly due to the challenge of the front cover.

2. Why I finished this book.
I can't say that I loved this book with its raw storyline and equally raw drawing style. However, its compelling story line of a group of High School boys who all share the fact that their fathers are away at war, kept me engaged, and questioning why there weren't more books like this for teens, portraying the effects of modern warfare on those left behind.

3. Who I would give this book to, and why.
Almost any of our High School level boys. Some mature content would keep it out of the hands of younger students. I suspect only a few girls would find this book appealing, especially without some guidance.