Illegal: A graphic novel telling one boy's epic journey to Europe

by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin

Giovanni Rigano (Illustrator)

This is a powerful and timely story about one boy's epic journey across Africa to Europe, a graphic novel for all children with glorious colour artwork throughout. From Eoin Colfer, previously Irish Children's Laureate, and the team behind his bestselling Artemis Fowl graphic novels.

Ebo: alone.

His sister left months ago. Now his brother has disappeared too, and Ebo knows it can only be to make the hazardous journey to Europe.

Ebo's epic journey takes him across the Sahara Desert to the dangerous streets of Tripoli, and finally out to the merciless sea. But with every step he holds on to his hope for a new life, and a reunion with his sister.

*Winner of the Judges' Special Award at the Children's Books Ireland Book of the Year Awards*

'Beautifully realised and punchily told.' Alex O'Connell, The Times Children's Book of the Week
'A powerful, compelling work, evocatively illustrated ... It would take a hard heart not to be moved by this book.' Financial Times

• ISBN10: 1444934007
• ISBN13: 9781444934007
• Publish Date: 5 October 2017
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 8 February 2021
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Hachette Children's Group
• Imprint: Hodder Children's Books
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 144
• Language: English

Reviews

[wcs53]

I borrowed this graphic novel from the library. It's a very powerful story of the journey of one young boy, told through his eyes, from Africa to Europe in the hope of starting a new life there. It's a story that is both harrowing and hopeful. I am so far removed from the events of this story, so it was important and good for me to be able to read this one. It was eye-opening for me to see what people are willing to go through and the risks they take in such a situation as this. It's a short read and I wish it had been longer. It's well worth the read.

[lovelybookshelf]

Holy hell.

[Beth C.]

I was very excited to read this book, and when it was chosen as a Powell's Pick, that increased my excitement. I read it as soon as I could get my hands on a copy, and...I have mixed feelings.

I think it's an important story, particularly considering the current atmosphere around the word "illegal" as applied to any group of people. I think that it will be an important piece in having conversations - particularly with young people - around this heated topic. However, I have reservations.

The story is a compilation of possibilities. It's not based on one actual story of any one individual. Not necessarily a problem in and of itself, however the ending (no spoilers) felt...convenient. Parts of the book are somewhat dark, as befits the experiences of many of those making such a harrowing and perilous journey. The end, though, felt a little too...contrived? Convenient?

The other concern I have with this book is that I felt like it was...not enough? Like the chance to truly make a more powerful statement regarding the bias shown to these people was wasted. The word "illegal" in the terms of this story is so powerful, and so loaded, that the expectation I had going in was not met. So many of these people, who experience hardships that few Americans have ever known, become model citizens. They are productive, and they give back to their new country - and to the people within it - in ways that are often not truly recognized. I guess I wish the story had done more to show that aspect?

Having said that - I still believe that this book is valuable it its way. I know I intend to ask my children to read it, then have a conversation with them afterwards. It should be on library shelves, bookshelves, and anywhere else people might pick up a copy. Because in the end, even the barest education that these people are HUMAN BEINGS - not animals, not some horrific plague sent to bother everyone else - is (unfortunately) a necessary reminder to us all.