Illegal: A Graphic Novel

Several years ago, I read Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin and Giovanni Rigano's graphic novel Illegal as a Cybils Award judge, and wrote down some rough thoughts. Today, the day after an important US presidential election, I am finally publishing them. Since I’m writing this well in advance, I don’t yet know the results, but I do know that migration – whether it is deemed legal or illegal – is one of the most important moral, ethical, and political issues of our time. Books that tackle immigration and migration in nuanced, empathetic ways are godsend, and this particular volume is in heavy rotation during choice reading time in my classroom. Kids care, and adults should too!Prefacing the book is Elie Wiesel’s quote, “...No human being is illegal.” Twelve-year-old Ebo is following his brother Kwame from Ghana to Europe. They think their older sister Sisi is already there, but they haven’t heard from her, and their useless uncle drinks. As orphans, they have only each other to rely on. Ebo’s singing voice is his one talent, and both brothers work at each point in the journey to make money for their next crossing, whatever that might be. They face many dangers: the desert, unreliable smugglers, armed police, an unforgiving climate, lack of water, food, and shelter, and an ocean crossing when no one can swim. In the midst of these crises, they experience rare moments of human kindness that transcend language barriers, and help them survive.It is important to have stories like Ebo’s in the world: they humanize the immigration journeys from news reports and widen the circle of those who both know and pay attention to this struggle. That said, I wish that there had been some people of color, or those who had experienced migration involved in the making of the book. The term “illegals” has been thrown around countless times in America’s political sphere in the past decade to dehumanize and stoke hate. That hate has real consequences. Education and empathy are a huge step towards dispelling those negative forces, and this book will contribute to both. I also wish that there were more resources tied to it to encourage interested readers to continue their research. It would pair well with graphic novels based on true stories, such as Unwanted: Stories of Syrian Refugees or When Stars Are Scattered.The art in Illegal is beautiful, particularly the landscapes. For a book about migration, there is not much movement in the illustrations – panels focus instead on conversations that take place in one location, and then the next panels are set in a new place. The story overall leans much more on text than art as a storytelling device, and this works, though the art is lovely enough to draw in readers. There are lots of blues and purples: for the ocean, during rainy scenes, or during nighttime (the most convenient time for smuggling).In all, this story will humanize migrants and build empathy, and though it has no direct call to action, it will make the empathetic want to help children like Ebo and Kwame.Recommended for: middle and high school libraries and classrooms, readers who loved Alan Gratz’s Refugee, and fans of well-made adventure graphic novels.

I read a lot of feel good books but recently got into graphic novels and decided to give this one a go. It was a tough read knowing people experience this life everyday. It made me cry and wish humanity was better but we aren't and innocent people die and are taken advantage of every day.

This book was so simple and so poignant at the same time. The storytelling was great how it wove the story together through flashbacks. It felt like I was watching a film, and would make a heart wrenching film with a small nugget of hope. The animation was beautiful and vivid, which made it an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend this to middle graders who need to see more perspective on refugees and how powerful their stories are.

If you are a human being, or know a human being, then I would highly recommend this book. It's unbelievable what Ebo has to go through, and yet completly believable. And although the characters in this book are fictional, the situation they're in is very real. I've been a fan of Eoin Colfer's work for some time, and he never disappoints. The artwork is stunning and the book is high quality. I belive if everyone reads it, everything would be so much more clear. I loved this book and will definitely be reading it over and over again. "How can a human being be illegal?"

Accurate, compelling, great way to introduce the topic to young people

"Illegal" is a beautifully illustrated and heart-wrenchingly told cautionary tale about (and for) young Africans who are considering risking everything, including their lives, to seek what they think will be a better life in Europe. Crossing deserts and seas, getting bilked of their few coins, having their lives threatened daily by people who don't share their hopeful idealism, these young people -- as personified by main character Ebo -- have thrown caution to the wind to escape their misery at home. On its surface and at its most basic level, the title "Illegal" can be seen as referring to these immigrants' status if and when they reach their imagined Promised Land. But it also relates to everything they do, and go through, along the way. Stark, sad, scary, heartbreaking, and beautifully done.

IllegalBy Doin Colder, Andrew TonkinThis was a terrific book showing the desperation and extent and plight many people go through to get a better life. They actually risk their lives rather than live where they started at. Death would be a better option. What a sad choice.

Great art and a powerful story. I had to fight back tears while reading it aloud to my kids. Definitely go for the hardcover edition