Review: Illegal

Illegal by Eoin Colfer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I personally think that every member of the American government needs to read Illegal. What a timely and relevant graphic novel for middle grade students. This book follows the journey of Ebo and his brother Kwame as they abandon their home in Ghana in the hopes of making their way to Europe to find their sister. The book alternates between "now" and "then" chapters; this set-up allows the reader to gradually discover how Ebo and Kwame end up in a small, leaking boat in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.

I had several "aha" moments while reading this graphic novel. In one scene, Ebo and the other passengers are worried that they will die in the ocean. When they see a ship heading toward them, Ebo immediately thinks they will be saved. However, another immigrant questions if the ship will stop for them. Ebo replies that the ship has to stop and help them because they are "people." Such a simple notion: that people will help other people; however, as we have seen with recent immigration laws, our government doesn't seem to believe in helping people who aren't desirable immigrants.

This book is important, but the realities that Ebo and his brother face are difficult to digest. I think this novel would be most appropriate for 5th grade and up. I would love to see teachers use this book alongside Refugee by Alan Gratz. As educators, it is important for us to show our students the struggles other people face throughout the world. This book will help students build empathy for immigrants within their community and beyond.

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