Patti 's Reviews > The Red Pencil

GO READ THIS NOW. I'll wait. It doesn't take long, but it's also a book to savor and reread. A middle grade novel told in verse, I have never read something so powerful with so few words. The sparse prose worked brilliantly, with not a word wasted. This is especially important because of the subject matter. The illustrations are evocative and rich pencil drawings, and I wish I could insert over 20+images here to prove it's artistic beauty.

Pinkney was deeply moved by the Darfur conflict and wanted to create a novel that made war accessible to young readers. She wished to impart truth in the devastation it causes, but also show that artistic expression can be healing in even the most dire circumstances. The impact that this one red pencil and a few sheets of paper have on twelve year old Amira is overwhelming.

If you don't stop and appreciate the basic comforts in your own life while reading, you might not be seeing the words properly. The arrival of the Janjaweed militants and subsequent death of most of the village forces her remaining family to a refugee camp in Kalma. This is told in stark detail, with words gradually falling off the page as the horrors render her silent for a time.

It isn't all sad. There are games, laughter, small blessings, and above all, hope for a better future. These people aren't depicted as weak, but survivors of unimaginable atrocities.

My favorite illustrations are on pages 26,29,41-43,60, 115, 136, 146, 203. There really aren't any bad ones. Big thanks to Akoss from #MGLitCheerleader YouTube channel for suggesting this as a buddy read. Beyond fantastic!! Comment below if you've read, I'd love to chat!