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bookph1le's review against another edition
5.0
This book definitely has an agenda, but I don't think that's a negative. These kinds of stories need to not only be told, but shouted from every rooftop. Maybe then the people who most need to hear them will actually hear them, because I'm quite sure the vast majority of people who will read this book or have read this book are people who already feel empathy for the plight of their fellow human beings who are fleeing for their lives.
What I find so disillusioning about America today is that our story used to be this kind of story, a tale of hardship and tragedy and triumph that ultimately resulted in people being able to forge a better life in a new land. America is a nation of immigrants, and that is supposed to be our proud history. We are supposed to want the poor and huddled masses--the Statue of Liberty says so. We're not supposed to be a land that believes that only certain people are deserving of safety and liberty, that only certain people should have a chance to make a better future for themselves and their families.
Right now, we are, and we do believe that. How soon we forget how horrific it would have been had our own ancestors faced a wall when arriving on our shores.
I thought about all these things while reading this book. It is harrowing and difficult and tragic, and it also made me marvel at the human capacity for hope. I welled up big time while reading the ending, and I kept welling up whenever I caught a glimpse of this book's cover or thought of the story. It tells a brutal tale without lurid detail.
Is it designed to elicit sympathy? Certainly. But I don't think that makes it propaganda. People do face these kinds of hardships, and the back material makes it obvious that the creators did research and spoke to immigrants to get a better feel for the stories they had to tell. I don't know how you can read this and not come away with a great deal of admiration for the determination people show, and a great deal of empathy for what they suffer for the chance at a better life.
This is well worth reading, and I think it's the kind of book that would be excellent in an educational setting, where a teacher could lead students in a discussion. I also think it's a great book for parents to share with their children. And hopefully it goes without saying that I think it's a book that plenty of adults would also benefit from reading.
What I find so disillusioning about America today is that our story used to be this kind of story, a tale of hardship and tragedy and triumph that ultimately resulted in people being able to forge a better life in a new land. America is a nation of immigrants, and that is supposed to be our proud history. We are supposed to want the poor and huddled masses--the Statue of Liberty says so. We're not supposed to be a land that believes that only certain people are deserving of safety and liberty, that only certain people should have a chance to make a better future for themselves and their families.
Right now, we are, and we do believe that. How soon we forget how horrific it would have been had our own ancestors faced a wall when arriving on our shores.
I thought about all these things while reading this book. It is harrowing and difficult and tragic, and it also made me marvel at the human capacity for hope. I welled up big time while reading the ending, and I kept welling up whenever I caught a glimpse of this book's cover or thought of the story. It tells a brutal tale without lurid detail.
Is it designed to elicit sympathy? Certainly. But I don't think that makes it propaganda. People do face these kinds of hardships, and the back material makes it obvious that the creators did research and spoke to immigrants to get a better feel for the stories they had to tell. I don't know how you can read this and not come away with a great deal of admiration for the determination people show, and a great deal of empathy for what they suffer for the chance at a better life.
This is well worth reading, and I think it's the kind of book that would be excellent in an educational setting, where a teacher could lead students in a discussion. I also think it's a great book for parents to share with their children. And hopefully it goes without saying that I think it's a book that plenty of adults would also benefit from reading.
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful book about two brothers trying to make it to Europe. The main focus is on the youngest brother, Ebo. Who finds out his brother has left him to go to Europe and decides no to stay alone any longer (their sister left a long time ago) and go after him. I loved that we have two time lines. The Then when Ebo searches for his brother (and finding him) and the Now with them on a boat searching for sanctuary in Europe. It was a heartbreaking gorgeous book, the ending had me crying so many tears. The art was also gorgeous. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. Bring tissues.
jr2234's review against another edition
3.0
This was just ok for me. I enjoyed the illustrations and thought the story had so much potential but it wasn’t as fleshed out as I wanted it to be. I think the book could have been about 5 times longer to cover all the plot points that were touched on!
and_i's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I hate that this is the reality of so many refugees..I am so sorry... Can't believe how unfair it is and what luck and privilege it is to just be born in the 'right' country..
jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
A fictional graphic novel account of a preteen boy, Ebo, from Ghana who goes after his older brother who has in turn left for Europe to search for their sister. This story shows a lot of the hardships and strife that refugees go through to try to make their way to "safer shores".
bridgetbosworth's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5
I enjoyed reading this story and following the main character on his journey but at times I felt like the split between the past and present wasn't smooth to me.
I enjoyed reading this story and following the main character on his journey but at times I felt like the split between the past and present wasn't smooth to me.
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Colfer, who is best known for his [b:Artemis Fowl|249747|Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl, #1)|Eoin Colfer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327945104l/249747._SY75_.jpg|1334778] series, offers up a graphic novel about the lengths refugees have to go through in order to leave their country in search of a better life.