Review
"In graphic-novel format, fully illustrated and in full colour,
Canada at War shows the growth of a nation's army, navy and air force through movingly depicted triumphs and tragedies...Aimed at both adult and young adult readers, this very human history tells the stories behind some of this country's most distinguishing military moments." (
Brampton Guardian 20120607)
"The lesson of
Canada at War is of Canadian soldiers' bravery and perseverance amid harsh and brutal conditions." (
Winnipeg Free Press 20120511)
"This account emphasizes the human dimension of the struggle and features clean, realistic color art with ample text blocks as well as dialog. Intended for both adults and young adults, this should be useful in history classes throughout North America in addition to appealing to WWII buffs and aficionados of war comics." (
Library Journal 20120503)
"In
Canada at War, author
Paul Keery and illustrator
Michael Wyatt have produced a winning combination that recounts Canadaís massive contribution to the Second World War. It is specially intended for those readers brought up on visual stimuli and who need more than text alone to convince them to read -- let alone enjoy a book...In seven chapters, Canada at War does an outstanding job of chronicling the efforts of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force in the major campaigns in which they fought." (John Boileau
Chronicle Herald 20120520)
"I found this an interesting graphic novel, well illustrated and something that I would imagine would make an excellent history primer for kids. Adults would also of course, enjoy the book...The full colour illustrations are excellent and stylistic..." (David Pugliese
Ottawa Citizen 20120613)
"Keery and Wyatt's concise and visually enriched version of Canada's role and military experiences in that period and event include a simple reminder as well: the United States' great big (geographically) neighbor to the north is not an addendum to our own national experience and culture; Canada is a nation and state of its own, with diversifying edification for us 'Americans'...[Keery] provides a clear and focused accounting of Canada's participation on the Allies' behalf...Wyatt's expressive and brilliantly inked images individual politicians, military leaders, and landscapes, as well as common soldiers and sailors and pilots in frightening spaces and events..." (
School Library Journal 20121004)
About the Author
Michael Wyatt is a self-taught artist who began his career as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer in 2006. His original designs have appeared on everything from greeting cards to hockey jerseys. He has contributed artwork to
Kayak and
Legion magazines, and his cartoons and caricatures are syndicated internationally.
Paul Keery holds degrees in history, law, library and information science, and education. In 2007, he was selected as an Apple Distinguished Educator in recognition of his work in integrating technology into classroom teaching.
Keery has published a history book for young people,
Maple Leaf Forever, on the history of Canada's Confederation, as well as articles for a number of newspapers and professional journals.
