YA Picture Book: Why War Is Never A Good Idea

Why War is Never A Good Idea by Alice Walker is the book the librarian at the public library recommended when I went in searching. Honestly, I told her I was looking for something short, after picking up a few that I wouldn't likely get through to post a review on in one night.

This book is really more like a poem with very good illustrations. It tells of how war comes unannounced on donkeys, mothers and babies in villages, etc. The illustrations themselves contrast the difference between pre-war and post-war quite dramatically. This heavier topic is what makes it more suitable for YA and would definitely spark a lively conversation among middle school age kids. Would be interesting to add it as contrast to a historical fiction book that holds war up to higher esteem. Is an excellent example of point of view.