Illegal by Eoin Colfer & Andrew Donkin. Illustrated by Giovanni Rigano.

Cover of Illegal Graphic NovelLifelong comic fans, Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin have collaborated previously on five very successful graphic novel adaptations of Colfer’s books. This is their first original graphic novel together. ILLEGAL is the story of Ebo and Kwame and their tortuous journey from North Africa to seek a new life in Europe.

Eoin Colfer comments: “We wanted to tell this important story in the visually rich and immediately engaging format of a graphic novel – it’s the perfect medium to do it.”

Visualised in glorious full-colour art, this extraordinary story is brought to vivid life for an audience of children (and adults) who are aware of the very real plight of migrants and asylum seekers through the news today. On a topic which is often dehumanised through the media, Colfer and Donkin offer a first person perspective of what migrants and refugees must overcome to survive, told with empathy and understanding. Additionally, the graphic novel also features a powerful back up strip of comic journalism “Journey: Helen’s Story”  the real life story of a migrant told in her own words, adapted into the graphic format by the team.“

Buy ILLEGAL on Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com.

American Awards and honors for ILLEGAL:

2018 Best Books for Kids and Teens (New York Public Library)
2018 Best Fiction for Older Readers (Chicago Public Library)
2018 Original Art finalist (The Society of Illustrators)
2019 Notable Children’s Books for Older Readers (ALA/ALSC)
2018 Junior Library Guild Selection
2019 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers list (ALA/YALSA)
2019 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People (CBC and NCSS)
2018 Cybils finalist (Children’s and Young Adult Bloggers’ Literary Awards)
2019 Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top Pick (ALA/YALSA)
2019 In the Margins Fiction Recommendation List (Top Ten Pick)
2019 Nutmeg Award Nominee (Connecticut state list)

2019 SEE-IT Award finalist

2019 Excellence in Graphic Literature (EGL) Award Winner

2020 Blue Hen Graphic Novel Book Award