Crogan's March (The Crogan Adventures)
Grade 4 Up—Peter Crogan, a Legionnaire fighting for France in North Africa, is at a crossroads in the year 1912. He's a few months away from his military contract ending. Should he become an officer, or move on to bigger and better things? When brash and dashing Major Roitelet takes command of his unit, Crogan doesn't get the chance to think about his options; it's battle after battle until the tragedy at Fort Mayne. Crogan attempts to lead a few survivors to safety, but at what cost? This action-packed graphic adventure manages to give several historical facts about the Legion in North Africa while keeping children wrapped up in the story. The cartoon illustrations seem simple at first, but every emotion the characters go through on their journey is visible on their faces. Schweizer keeps the drawings visually compelling, yet extremely basic at the same time, and kids will forget they're reading in black and white. While obviously geared toward younger readers, this is a story that a wide range of ages will enjoy.—Ryan Donovan, New York Public Library(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.