A girl lost everything due to war and found an unwelcome attitude in another country, which was changed by a small gesture from a little boy.
The girl lives in an unnamed country, which looks like it is in the Middle East, judging by the buildings. Life is normal for her: family time, school, drawings, flowers. But that ended with “The Day War Came”. Her loss is tremendous as she describes “war took everything” and “everyone”. Facing a horrendous situation, she takes a challenging journey on tracks, buses and boats to an unnamed country that looks like England. The expectations of hope to clear the war out of her system are grounded.
On the contrary, she faces a refugee camp, sleeping on the floor. She does some walking in the city but feels and looks like a stranger. Even a school closes the door for her literally and metaphorically with the statement of a lack of chairs. At least one boy is willing to show kindness and other children follow, lifting spirits.
In a note, Nicola Davis wrote that 3000 unaccompanied children were not granted refugee in the UK in 2016. “The Day War Came” is a story for all the children and young people who have experienced the trauma of the war and must build a new identity in a foreign land!
Further Information:
If you loved The Day War Came, check out more information about its author and illustrator:
The Stats:
- Title: The Day War Came
- Author and Illustrator: Nicola Davis & Rebecca Cobb
- ISBN: 978-1-4063-7632-6
- Publication Date: 2018
- Page Count: 32
- Publisher: Walker Books
- Recommended age: 6-8
- Categories/Topic: war, families
Where to Find it:
