Graphic Novel Review – Illegal by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin, Giovanni Rigano (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genre: Graphic Novel/Contemporary Fiction
Length: 144 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Young Readers
Release Date: August 7, 2018
ISBN-13: 978-1492662143
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 5/5 stars

“Ebo is alone. His brother, Kwame, has disappeared, and Ebo knows it can only be to attempt the hazardous journey to Europe, and a better life―the same journey their sister set out on months ago.

But Ebo refuses to be left behind in Ghana. He sets out after Kwame and joins him on the quest to reach 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 family.”

This graphic novel explores immegration and illegal aliens in a way that is very real and at times, heartbreaking. It was incredibly well done and I really enjoyed both the story and the illustration.

Ebo finds out his brother, Kwame, has ventured to the city to figure out a way to join their sister in Europe. Their sister made the trip to Europe some time ago but they haven’t heard from her. Ebo decides to set out after Kwame. What awaits Ebo is a deadly journey across the desert, dealing with traffickers who don’t care whether Ebo and his brother live or die.

This is a fascinating and heartbreaking look at what Ebo and his family go through in an effort to leave Ghana and seek a better life. The illustrations are amazing and the story is very engaging. I found it impossible to put down and ended up reading it in one sitting.

This is marketed as a middle grade book and that seems appropriate. While some of the content is brutal, it never gets too gory or graphic. There is some brief discussion about a brothel, people are killed at gun point, and many people die. However, this is a fictional portrayal of real events. I thought an excellent job was done getting across the reality and brutality of the situations Ebo goes through while still keeping the story appropriate for pre-teens.

Overall I really loved this and immediately gave it to my twelve year old son to read. We’ll see what he thinks about it. This tackles a tough and controversial issue in a way that is easy to relate to and engaging. Highly recommended!