Maria Martella’s Grade 6 to 9 Picture Book Suggestions are a great resource for Toronto teachers. All books were chosen by Maria, owner of Tin Lids, to focus on “big ideas” and include mature themes such as war, bullies, peace, courage, environment, poverty, art, and social justice.

One of the books on Maria’s list is The Enemy.  This picture book is written by Davide Cali and illustrated by Serge Bloch and is about two enemy soldiers who both think the other person is a vile monster. Each soldier wants to obliterate the other but ultimately both just want to go home. The story has an interesting ending that gives intermediate students room to ponder the many issues involving war, peace, and our humanity.