“Simone Veil, I am writing to you” by Irène Cohen Janca

Simone Veil, I am writing to youby Irène Cohen Janca, illustrated by Violette Vaïsse, Graphic Encrage collection, La joie de lire editions, to read from 13 years old.

Simone Veil will be particularly honored this week, with the release of the film Simone, the trip of the centuryby Olivier Dahan in which Elsa Zylberstein will play the title role, and she is also thanks to this graphic novel by Irène Cohen Janca.

July 2017, before the retransmission of the national tribute paid to Simone Veil at the Invalides. Mona sees tears rolling down her grandmother’s cheeks. She asks him why, but the old woman prefers to remain in her silent emotion. Mona is 16 years old. 16 is also the age at which Simone Veil, born Jacob, was deported to a concentration camp. The young girl decides to find out more and to address her, through a letter that begins with these words:

“Dear Simone, I know you’ve been through Heaven, Hell and then Glory…”

For the author Irène Cohen Janca, “Simone Veil embodies both a tragic past, with the Shoah, but also a woman turned towards the future”. First President of the European Parliament, she works for reconciliation with Germany. Minister of Health, she is at the origin of the promulgation of the law of 1974 for the right to abortion, so important to remember at a time when this right for women is declining in the United States and in Europe. Still according to the author:

“It is this moral force, this rigor, this exemplary figure that young people must know.”

Irene Cohen Janca

at franceinfo

In this will of transmission, the superb drawings of Violette Vaïsse, with “a touch of Matisse”, are all powerful relays in harmony with the text. Finally, in the continuity of this book, it will perhaps also be an opportunity to delve into the autobiographical story of Simone Veil, A life.

The Auschwitz Librarianby Salva Rubio and Aroca Loreta, Rue de Sèvres editions, from 13 years old.
Dita is sent to Auschwitz with her parents. She lands in a unit where families are not separated and where there is even a school. Dita will become the librarian of the famous Block 31. A aremarkable adaptation of Antonio Iturbe’s novel.

Me, Joan of Arc, Vincent Mottez and Bruno Wennagel, “Young adult” collection, Unique heritage editions. A very beautiful graphic novel of the story of Joan of Arc in the first person, in which the Maid of Orleans, the day before the stake, recounts her incredible destiny.

Of cape and words, by Flore Vesco and illustrated by Kerascoët, Dargaud editions. In this story it is a girl, Serine, who embodies power, and not just any power: that of the imagination. And, it’s true, let yourself be transported, with this album of soft and sparkling watercolors, you won’t just be laughing up your sleeve!

And as always, find lots of other reading ideas on the website of kibookin with the selection of the week. For all ages and for all tastes, no more excuses for not finding your nugget to read!

Happy reading and have a good week everyone!