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Illegal
Illegal: A graphic novel telling one boy's epic journey to Europe | Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin
47 posts | 59 read | 46 to read
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. '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
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AbstractMonica
Illegal | Eoin Colfer
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Pickpick

Great graphic novel about a young boy named Ebo, looking for his older brother Kwame, as he makes the treacherous journey from Ghana to Italy.

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ChasingOm
Illegal | Eoin Colfer
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Pickpick

Another graphic novel off the TBR!

This one was very sad and also incredibly important. I do not understand people who have no compassion for the immigrants taking these life/death risks because they feel they have NO choice.

32 likes2 stack adds
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shortsarahrose
Illegal | Eoin Colfer
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Mehso-so

First full book for my #YA lit class finished ✅
A quick read and the illustrations effectively told the story. I liked how Ebo was portrayed as resourceful and level-headed even in situations that rattled more mature characters. However, I wish there was more backstory about why Ebo and Kwame left. There is some white savior stuff towards the end, which is problematic especially since the authors/illustrator are all white men.

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DGRachel
Illegal | Eoin Colfer
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Pickpick

First read of the new year completed. Ebo leaves his village in Niger to find his brother and make their way to Europe to hopefully find their sister. This is a heartbreaking tale, that while fiction, is an accurate reflection of the reality for millions fleeing war torn African and Middle Eastern countries seeking asylum and a better life in the West. #Niger #ReadingAfrica2022

Librarybelle It does sound heartbreaking! 3y
BarbaraBB Wow. Stacking! How do you find books like these?! Happy new year 🎆 3y
DGRachel @BarbaraBB I spent hours googling “books set in _____”. Most of the time, there‘d be a link to a Goodreads list, then I checked to see if any of the ones that looked interesting were available on audiobook and/or from my library and/or still in print. 3y
See All 6 Comments
DGRachel @BarbaraBB And Happy New Year to you, too!!! 3y
BarbaraBB That must have taken hours but I love it! 3y
DGRachel @BarbaraBB Soooo many hours. 🤣🤣 3y
54 likes6 comments
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freeatlast1137
Illegal | Eoin Colfer
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Pickpick

A graphic novel about a boy and his brothers journey across the sea to seek refuge in another country.

A very good graphic novel.

19 likes1 stack add
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Cortg
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Pickpick

This was a great fiction graphic novel about a young boy, Ebo, who escapes his life in Africa in hopes of finding his brother and sister who have left searching for a better life in Europe. It‘s an important book for kids to read to learn about other people and cultures and most importantly, who refugees are and what dangers and hardships they face.

HeathHof Great review and I love your plant babies! 4y
Cortg @Mynameisacolour Thanks! My daughter‘s new hobby and she‘s been teaching me! 💕 4y
43 likes2 comments
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Cortg
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I found this copy in a Little Free Library and was pleasantly surprised to find it‘s a personally autographed copy! I don‘t know who Pam is, but I‘m looking forward to this read and sharing it in another Little Free Library for someone else to find ❤️

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megnews
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Pickpick

I could not survive this. Sad but necessary story.

36 likes1 stack add
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booklover3258
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Pickpick

My review of this book can be found on my Youtube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/eU5mPojGVFE

Enjoy!

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LaraS
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“Climb up.”

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WanderingBookaneer
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Not an easy read.

Bette I liked it though. 5y
62 likes6 stack adds1 comment
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Parvez
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Pickpick

Illegal is a story of refuguees. It‘s about a young boy in Africa who‘s determined to catch up with his brother and meet up with his sister, both of whom have set out to make a better life for themselves in another country.

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WhimsyandRigor
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Pickpick

Well this graphic novel is making it into my 6th grade English curriculum next year. Easy as that. It was a powerful story of two boys trying to leave sub-Saharan Africa for Europe. It is the perfect complement to Refugee by Alan Gatz.

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alisiakae
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Pickpick

*This is not an Own Voices book*

When Ebo‘s brother Kwame leaves their village to undertake a harrowing journey to reunite with their sister in Europe, Ebo decides to follow.

This is a serious and harrowing story simplified for a middle grade audience, and would be a good read alongside Refugee by Alan Gratz.

I have concerns about using the title “Illegal” without the author getting into any real explanation of why this is a problematic label.

emtobiasz Great review, and good point about the title. (edited) 5y
alisiakae @emtobiasz Thanks!! The authors do make a reference to an Elie Wiesel quote in the beginning about how no human can be illegals but I thought if would come up again in the context of the story. 5y
WhimsyandRigor I thought the same thing about pairing it with Refugee!! 5y
97 likes3 comments
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Addison_Reads
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Pickpick

This graphic novel was such a great read! It follows one boy who is desperately trying to find his older siblings. The imagery of people huddled together fighting to survive on a journey across an unforgiving ocean was heartbreaking. This story will hit you in the feels, but it's beautifully done.

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rockpools
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Pickpick

“We walk...”

The story of a young boy, Ebo, attempting to reach his sister & a better life in Europe. We‘re aware of the dangers to migrants attempting to cross the Med; Ebo‘s story shows how much has already been endured to reach that point.

Told for #MiddleGrade #FictionGraphicNovel readers, it‘s clear, simple & effective with detailed pictures & a hopeful conclusion. #BBRC
The afterword is a true story of one woman‘s own journey, in GN form.

BookwormAHN Sounds like a powerful story. 5y
LibrarianRyan I loved this book. 5y
50 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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MolliesaurusRex
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Pickpick

A look into the risks taken by refugees that many of us don‘t even think twice about - and that many would turn away those who do make it through. Truly heartbreaking, though it inspires me to find ways to help refugees. Definitely recommended for everyone. & entry for the finish in a day winter prompt for #booked2020 👍🏼

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MolliesaurusRex
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Last of my library books that are currently available - and snuggles from my Jacky boy. Going back to work on Monday is going to suck.😭 #graphicnovels #catsoflitsy #kittenlitten #littenkitten #librarybooks #winterbreak #starting2020strong #teachersoflitsy

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julesG
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Library reading with the kids.

#24B42020
@TheReadingMermaid @Andrew65 @jb72

2.5 hours

298/150

tpixie Awesomeness!! 5y
Libby1 Illegal is so so good. 5y
Andrew65 What could be better. Locally all our libraries are shut until the new year. 😢 5y
See All 8 Comments
ljuliel Enjoy your day. 5y
julesG @Andrew65 There's even one branch that's open on the bank holidays but unstaffed. 5y
Andrew65 @julesG Much better than the U.K.! 5y
julesG @Andrew65 I think it's a pilot project in one of the suburbs. But it is a great idea. 5y
Andrew65 @julesG It is! So many cuts in our library services over the past 10+ years! 5y
85 likes1 stack add8 comments
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Lindy
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Pickpick

I felt deeply affected by this tale in #graphicnovel format about two young brothers from Ghana hoping to find a better life in Europe. Giovanni Rigano‘s art is in somber, saturated shades, mostly blue and brown. Expressive, slightly cartoonish faces and well-chosen dialogue make the boys real and help to translate this to a universal immigrant and refugee experience. An important children‘s book that can be appreciated by all ages.

45 likes2 stack adds
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Lindy
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You, who are so-called illegal aliens, must know that no human being is illegal. That is a contradiction in terms. Human beings can be beautiful or more beautiful, they can be fat or skinny, they can be right or wrong, but illegal? How can a human being be illegal?
—Elie Wiesel

Onioons Great read! 5y
Lindy @Onioons 😊👍 5y
sarahbarnes A critical thing to reiterate these days. 5y
35 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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Libby1
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#GraphicNovel
@Clwojick
#RecommendsDay

Illegal is a graphic novel that explores people trafficking. It‘s a sad, powerful book.

Clwojick His has been on my list for a while! I need to read it. ♥️ 6y
43 likes1 comment
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AmberWB
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Pickpick

This was excellent. I learned a lot about immigrants fleeing Africa and attempting to make it to Europe. We are so lucky and take so much for granted. Highly recommend.

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iamtoddseal
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Pickpick

This compelling story communicates the fact that there is a human being behind all the stories we see, that there is a reason people move from country to country illegally. Ebo‘s struggle rings with truth because it‘s based on what happens to refugees all around the world. The trip isn‘t always about where the refugees are going as much as what they are leaving behind. The art is not in typical comic style, making this feel like a day-in-the-life.

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silentrequiem
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Pickpick

Heartbreaking and devastating.

36 likes2 stack adds
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BellaBookNook
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Pickpick

Finished in one sitting because it was that good. Beautiful illustrations and thoughtful story that helps readers to open their eyes to the plight of immigrants. A good reminder that it is not a thing of the past but of the present. Highly recommend it!

19 likes3 stack adds
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night_shift
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Pickpick

That ending was a gut punch.. after all they went through and then that?! 😢 this is a fictional account, but I'm sure similar stuff happens all the time, which is awful.

#goodreads (14 | 80)

69 likes1 stack add
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GirlNamedJesse
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Pickpick

This was incredibly painful to read. My stomach was twisted in knots the entire time. It‘s not meant to be enjoyed, but to encourage empathy of the plight of emigrants. And it does. I only wish that the authors had chosen to share the story of one person. All of Ebo‘s experiences happened, but to different people. Still, an incredibly important point of view that should not be overlooked.

MarriedtoMrT I have this one ordered from the library. I‘m looking forward to it/not looking forward to it. 6y
GirlNamedJesse @MarriedtoMrT That is an incredibly accurate description of how I felt going into it! 6y
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CoffeeK8
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Pickpick

A touching look at the journey a person must take to ensure their own safety when their native country cannot provide it.

45 likes1 stack add
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heidisreads
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So stinkin‘ true.
#sundayreads #graphicnovel

Bibliogeekery Yes!! 6y
17 likes1 comment
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RealLifeReading
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Pickpick

A powerful graphic novel about Ebo, a young boy from Ghana who wants to make it to Europe to find his sister. It‘s an emotional ride as he journeys from his village to the big city, trying to make money to buy passage across the desert and then across the sea. It‘s a middle grade novel and would be an eye-opener for many kids (and adults).

81 likes2 stack adds
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UnabridgedPod
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Pickpick

Thanks to my friend Ashley for loaning me this powerful graphic novel, which depicts the perilous migration of two brothers from Ghana to Europe. Highly recommended!

11 likes1 comment
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TracyReadsBooks
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Pickpick

This MG book tells the story of Ebo who refuses to be left behind after his older brother leaves their village in Ghana to make his way to Europe. Soon Ebo follows & the brothers are reunited. But, their journey has only begun & they must find a way to survive the Sahara & the Mediterranean Sea. An intense, visually powerful story detailing the desperation that propels people to leave home & the courage required to make & survive the journey.

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BookInMyHands
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Pickpick

This new graphic novel by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin and Giovanni Rigano is excellent. Illegal is the story of Ebo, a twelve-year-old orphan boy from Niger who sets out to find his brother Kwame, and sister Sisi.

For upper grade schoolers and middle schoolers this is a good (but intense) story, about what life might be like for a refugee, and the struggle for life that some children face.

49 of 100 books read #crossculturalstories

Aimeesue ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 6y
mrp27 ❤️❤️❤️ 6y
57 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Onioons
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"Climb up"
Remarkable illustrations of the journey of two young boys from Niger trying to reach Europe. Crossing deserts and oceans.

LibrarianRyan This book was simply amazing!! 7y
Libby1 This book is wonderful. I agree with you and @LibrarianRyan . 7y
52 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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Onioons
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34,14'29"N
13,2d'19"E
Midnight: local time

"You know as well as I do... he shouldn't be here."

My name is Ebo.
I'm twelve years old.
We've only been at sea for three hours, but I think he might be right.

Libby1 ❤️ 7y
51 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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LibrarianRyan
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I reviewed Illegal weeks ago and LOVED it. Now i@have a copy of my own.

Plus a signed copy of this years Newberry Winner!

#bookhaul #bookexpo18

Reviewsbylola Your haul pics give me life. 😍😍 7y
LibrarianRyan @Reviewsbylola there are more to come. I just unpacked my suitcase. 7y
52 likes2 comments
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well.read.panda
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Pickpick

Great book about the plight of people trying to reach the EU from Africa and encountering countless perils along the way. #comics #graphicnovels

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Libby1
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An opening quote in this graphic novel for children aged 10+.

IWriteInTheNight What a powerful quote😍 7y
RaimeyGallant Truth. Some big US departments have implemented policies to remove the term from their literature. 7y
LibrarianRyan Loved loved loved this book. 7y
Ddzmini Technically we are all illegal the only legal individuals are the Native Indians 😊😉 7y
65 likes4 comments
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Libby1
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Pickpick

Devastating and important.

No human being is illegal.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

60 likes3 stack adds
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charl08
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GN account of a young boy's travel into Europe. Frightening stuff.

39 likes2 stack adds
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Johanna414
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Pickpick

This graphic novel was very well done, and definitely one I‘ll be ordering for my middle school collection.

LibrarianRyan This was awesome. So well done. Loved it. 7y
38 likes1 stack add1 comment
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LibrarianRyan
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Pickpick

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ little Ebo attempts to find both his family. It will take a long journey that I hope none of your children ever need to take. We follow him on leaky boats, deadly deserts, and rat infested tunnels. All for a chance at a life worth living. This graphic novel wouldn‘t be what it is without the work of Andrew Donkin, who takes the heartbreaking words and creates images that will stay in your mind long after reading this treasure.

LibrarianRyan Full review on GR 7y
48 likes8 stack adds1 comment
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rebeccavoy
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Pickpick

Ebo and Kwame are brothers doing everything they can to escape the poverty and hardship in Ghana and make a new home in Europe. It is moving and heartbreaking in both word and image and it an engaging look into the refugee experience.

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DarcysMom
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#5SetInAfrica
#7AboutImmigration
It may be cheating, but this book completely fit two squares.

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DarcysMom
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Pickpick

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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DarcysMom
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59 likes2 stack adds