Red Stones: A Graphic Account of the Salvadoran Civil War

Gr 9 Up–Following Saade’s Just Another Story, this nonfiction graphic novel recounts the Salvadoran Civil War through the eyes of a young girl who lived through it. In 1981, a town in El Salvador is targeted by their own country’s military forces, and anyone labeled as a guerilla is ordered to be killed, including women and children. Miriam, 12, is helping the guerillas by bringing them tortillas and messages, placing herself in harm’s way to help the cause. With her entire town in danger, she is willing to risk everything. The story is partially told through the author’s viewpoint in 2021 as he interviews a now-adult Miriam, visually depicting the account as it unfolds. Saade’s writing is poignant and informative; readers will feel for the victims and survivors of this tragedy that is rarely covered in books and media. The introduction and epilogue provide background information for the history of the battle and the Salvadoran Civil War. ­Muted colors express the time of day, such as when the characters are walking at night or at sunrise. Feelings and expressions of the characters are emotive and clearly ­depicted in the artwork. While not excessively graphic, some of the renderings of the devastation and massacres may be difficult for sensitive readers. ­