Review: Illegal

Illegal by Eoin Colfer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Parents of young readers are likely to recall Eoin Colfer as the author of the popular Artemis Fowl adventure series. Colfer's venture into the graphic novel world could not be more timely. Allowing us to view the perilous journey endured by migrants through the eyes of Ebo, a child, increases the impact of the perilous journey endured by men, women and children who are seeking better lives and safety. While Ebo is reunited with his sister Sisi, his journey is not without great loss.

Colfer also shares the story of Helen, a young refugee woman from Eritrea who makes a dangerous journey to the UK while pregnant.

The author and illustrators remind us that "Every person making the choice to embark on that journey has their own reasons. And every person is a human being."

This is an important graphic novel for young people at an important time.


I received a Digital Review Copy of this book from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, along with a paper review copy with backmatter that is included in the final edition of the book.

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