📚 Illegal 📚
Author: Eoin Colfer & Andrew Donkin
Illustrator: Giovanni Rigano
Publisher: Source Books @sourcebookskids
Age: 12+
Islamic Content: A side character with a Muslim name
Concerns: death, near death experience, violence, drunk uncle is mentioned
Summary:
Ebo’s older brother, Kwame, has disappeared from their hometown in Ghana. Ebo is not about to be left behind with his uncle and he is determined to search for his brother. Their road to a better life takes them though the dry heat of the dessert, on an overloaded dingy, a crowded ship and escaping the. This tough journey leaves Ebo scarred.
Review:
This graphic novel will have the readers clinging on to it rooting for Ebo and Kwame’s safety. The illustrations are so raw and keep the readers hooked. The story is narrated by Ebo in first person. The story is pieced together with flashbacks from the past and the journey of escape in the present. So as the book is read more and more of the puzzles start to form the story. There is a side character name Razak who is on the same journey with the brothers. The story is powerful, breathtaking and filled with hope. Although this story is fictional, there is a short graphic in the end which includes the true story of a refugee who has had a similar experience. If your kids are sensitive to death and violent scenes, I suggest that you read the book first to determine if this is something they can handle. However, this story can spark very fruitful discussions about the reality of refugees and the hardships they experience for safety and hope for a better life and future.
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