Refresh, Refresh

Graphic novels are difficult for me to read. I know that sounds odd because you would think they would be easy, it's basically a picture book! There is just something about them that makes it hard for me to really connect with the story. It might be because I really enjoy the "movie" that plays in my head when I read, and I don't get that same feeling with graphic novels because the images are on the page (literally). This graphic novel, Refresh Refresh, was no different. However I  think it's important as an Educator to expose myself to different types of literature in the interest of my future students.

Refresh, Refresh  was not only difficult to read, it was difficult to swallow. I can't image young boys feeling the expectation to join the army. In small towns I understand that tradition is important (tradition is important in my family too) but I really do not think that kids should decide their futures based on expectations of family and friends.

I would want to keep this in my "classroom library" just because it is a unique piece of literature. This would be especially interesting for young boys to read. I teach a creative writing class in St. Peter and I have had several male students who are very interested in the military for various reasons. I think this would be a great novel for them to see other sides to joining the military that they might see in movies or on TV.