Published: 2022
Author: Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh
Illustrator: Sara Alfageeh
Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Young Adult, Comics, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Adventure, Historical
Audience (Grade Levels): Middle Grade, Young Adult; Grades 7-12
Number of Stars: 5-Stars
Goodreads Link: Squire
Triggers: Violence, racism
Review By: Sara Kahrs
Publisher’s Summary:
Aiza has always dreamt of becoming a Knight. It’s the highest military honor in the once-great Bayt-Sajji Empire, and as a member of the subjugated Ornu people, Knighthood is her only path to full citizenship. Ravaged by famine and mounting tensions, Bayt-Sajji finds itself on the brink of war once again, so Aiza can finally enlist in the competitive Squire training program.
It’s not how she imagined it, though. Aiza must navigate new friendships, rivalries, and rigorous training under the unyielding General Hende, all while hiding her Ornu background. As the pressure mounts, Aiza realizes that the “greater good” that Bayt-Sajji’s military promises might not include her, and that the recruits might be in greater danger than she ever imagined.
In this breathtaking and timely story, Aiza will have to choose, once and for all: loyalty to her heart and heritage, or loyalty to the Empire.
Review:
This graphic novel was intriguing and inspiring. The story seems to use a mix of history and present day when it comes to the government and military. Aiza’s squire training is similar to other books and young people wanting to become knights, and the ultimate questions about the point of war are reminiscent of the conversations happening today. The book also includes diverse characters from a variety of backgrounds. This story seems to be set in the Middle East, and the conflict is similar to the current conflicts that part of the world is facing. The illustration is beautiful and clean, and it includes many characters with different hair and body types. This makes the characters feel more realistic and allows the reader to immerse themselves in the story. This book also avoids the age old issue that knights cannot be girls. Instead on Aiza having to prove that she belongs there because she’s a girl, she works hard to achieve her goal and shows how hard work can pay off. She does face discrimination due to her country of origin, which causes some problems for her in the book, but that is merely a piece of the larger conflict. This book shows that things and people aren’t always what they seem and people must do their best to commit themselves to what they stand for.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- Social Studies / World History (Imperialism, Geopolitical Conflicts, & Citizenship): The fictional Bayt-Sajji Empire’s subjugation of the Ornu people mirrors real-world historical and contemporary conflicts, particularly those in the Middle East. Educators can use Aiza’s story to analyze military recruitment strategies, the criteria for citizenship, and the consequences of systemic cultural discrimination.
- English Language Arts (Deconstructing Narrative Tropes & War Philosophy): This novel is excellent for discussing how stories challenge traditional archetypes. Teachers can compare Aiza’s journey to classic Western “knight in shining armor” legends, examining how the authors use this setting to raise modern-day questions about the ultimate purpose and morality of war.
- Social-Emotional Learning (Perseverance, Identity, & Standing for Beliefs): The plot centers on personal integrity, hard work, and loyalty to one’s heritage over an oppressive system. It provides a great foundation for discussing how to handle discrimination, peer pressure, and the importance of committing to what you personally stand for.
- “The Point of War” Philosophical Debate: Pair the graphic novel with modern news articles or historical texts concerning global military conflicts. Have students discuss how the propaganda Aiza faces in her squire training parallels historical or modern military messaging, encouraging them to think critically about the concepts of the “greater good”.
Diversity & Representation:
Squire offers exceptional diversity and meaningful representation by placing Middle Eastern culture, aesthetics, and themes at the heart of its fantasy world. The artwork intentionally celebrates realistic and diverse body types and hair textures, allowing adolescent readers to see themselves reflected in a genuine, grounded way. Furthermore, the narrative empowers its female lead by letting her focus on hard work and merit rather than a forced struggle against gender barriers, while simultaneously addressing the real-world complexities of ethnic discrimination and cultural erasure.
Readalikes:
- The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks
- The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor
- We Hereby Refuse by Frank Abe
