PRIDE OF BAGHDAD

AUTHOR: Brian K. Vaughan
ILLUSTRATOR: Niko Henrichon
LETTERING: Todd Klein
PUBLISHER: Vertigo (an imprint of DC Comics)
GENRE: Animal Fantasy

FORMAT: Trade paperback
PAGES: 136
COLOR: Full color
ISBN-13: 978-1-4012-0315-3


STORY SYNOPSIS
Inspired by a true story, PRIDE OF BAGHDAD follows the struggle for survival of four lions freed from the Baghdad zoo after the US invasion in 2003.


STORY REVIEW
PRIDE OF BAGHDAD is not about the lions or the zoo or the war in Iraq, but rather it is about survival, life, freedom, and in the hands of Vaughan the story becomes a piece of unforgettable modern literature and is well deserving of the designation of “classic”.


ART REVIEW
This is comic realism at its best. Henrichon’s desert-hued palette brings the setting alive, ripe with the smell of sand and the piercing heat of the sun baking the back of the neck.


AGE RECOMMENDATION
My Rating: High School
Publisher’s Rating: Mature readers
School Library Journal’s Rating: Grade 9 and older

Considering the mature themes of the book, this is only appropriate for serious students who wish to study real literature and make deep connections.

BE AWARE
There is some language along with animal procreation, pain and sorrow, blood and death.


IN THE CLASSROOM
Despite the mature themes, PRIDE OF BAGHDAD is worthy of study, even in a public school setting. However, it should be reserved for the serious, mature student and the literature or an advanced social studies classroom. It’s good. It’s great. It’s just not for everyone.


OTHER INFORMATION
A hardcover edition is also available.


MY RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended with Strong Reservations
I offer strong reservations because the book will likely be controversial especially in some communities, and it is certainly not appropriate for just any high school classroom. But it could be, and should be, used in the right circumstances.