Description

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

Publisher Review

'arresting graphic novel. Full of contrasts - cold sea and scorching desert, small kindnesses and casual cruelty, hope and sorrow - it tells the stories behind the blunt headline statistics * The Guardian * This is a gem of a book. A graphic novel which is gripping, inspiring and immensely tragic * Teaching English * Empathy comes from understanding, and that is what makes this book so incredibly important, especially now...i read the whole book in one sitting as I could not put it down. It is one of the very few graphic novels to make me cry. It's powerful, beautiful, illuminating and heartbreaking...Thank you Colfer, Donkin, and Rigano for this vital book. Highly recommend. * Scoop * This graphic novel, from the team behind the Artemis Fowl comics, will help you to start a discussion on the migrant crisis in an accessible way. * Teach Primary * Timely story * Irish Mail on Sunday * A graphic novel which has the potential to move the hearts and minds of young people in a positive way. Topical and of the utmost relevance to young readers, the subject of Illegal is the plight of migrants. So this book is a big deal...what this moving story offers is an insight into the human stories behind the numbers...Illegal gives us that intimate perspective on a topic too often dehumanised by faceless fatality figures on new broadcasts * Evening Echo (Cork) * Rigano's portraits create a real emotional affinity with the characters * Irish Times * A powerful, compelling work, evocatively illustrated ... It would take a hard heart not to be moved by this book. * Financial Times * This is an outstanding book, told with honesty and heart. * Irish Independent * An absolute must-read, this graphic novel is thought-provoking, profound, sensitive and totally gripping. * Book Trust * A deeply affecting account. -- Sarah Donaldson * The Observer, Children's Book of the Week * A powerful, involving graphic novel. -- Nicolette Jones * Sunday Times, Books to Watch Out For * Beautifully realised and punchily told. -- Alex O'Connell * The Times, Children's Book of the Week *