no human being is illegal

 I just read the new graphic novel, Illegal, by Eoin Colfer. This middle grade, graphic novel is about one boy's journey across Africa with the hope to reach Europe.The novel puts a human face to the European migrant crisis.

From Publishers Weekly:

The book's title is arguably provocative, however. "Illegal is quite a controversial word in this context," Colfer says. "Often migrants are referred to as illegal, but the children cannot understand how they can be illegal for simply existing on planet Earth." Colfer adds that he and Donkin took the title from a quote by author and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, which begins, "You who are so-called illegal aliens must know that no human being is ‘illegal.' That is a contradiction in terms."

This is a gripping story about twelve-year-old Ebo's epic journey from Africa to Italy. The graphic novel is grueling. The illustrations are beautiful and terrifying. You will feel what it's like to be thirsty in the desert, freezing at sea, and continually afraid.

The quote from Elie Wiesel in the introduction:

"You, who are so-called Illegal Aliens, must know that no human being is Illegal. This is a contradiction in terms. Human beings can be beautiful or more beautiful, they can be fat or skinny, they can be right or wrong, but Illegal? How can a human being be Illegal?"

In the epilogue, readers are reminded that in 2015 alone, more than one million migrants crossed the Mediterranean Sea to enter Europe. The United Nations has described the situation as a "colossal humanitarian catastrophe".

This book would be perfectly paired with Refugee by Alan Gratz and/or Home Of The Brave by Katherine Applegate.

always sweeter

A book was delivered to my doorstep this weekend. I must have preordered it months ago on someone's recommendation. It is Adrian Simcox Does Not Have A Horse by Marcy Campbell.

It is a beautiful story that will start a wonderful conversation about empathy. Readers will see that understanding is always sweeter than judgement. 

This book is an imaginative and creative way to teach kids (and adults) about compassion and kindness. 

"I also thought, he had the most beautiful horse of anyone, anywhere."

This book would be a great way to start the school year.

for every soon-to-be voter

"We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessing of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

This past week, while traveling, I read Fault Lines In The Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, And The Flaws That Affect Us All by Cynthia Levinson and Sanford Levinson. 

I learned so much about the United States Constitution... and its flaws, ambiguities, and compromises. This book is timely, as it turns out that many of the issues we struggle with today have their roots in the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

I loved the layout of this book: the large print, graphics, quotes, and inserts are engaging. From the 'Preamble' to 'Now What?', this book walks the reader through the structures of our government and its limitations.

My favorite part of the book is Part VII - Keeping Pace with the Times.

Alexander Hamilton wrote that ordinary Americans had the opportunity to participate in "reflection and choice" about how they wished to be governed. The First Congress took him up on that offer in 1789 by proposing the series of amendments called the Bill of Rights.

I loved the 'grading' breakdown of the Constitution based on the goals of the preamble: form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

This is a fantastic book for every young adult reader, every soon-to-be voter, and every American citizen.

For more information, check out the Fault Lines website.