Alone - by Paul Tom (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Each year, more than 400 minors arrive alone in Canada requesting refugee status. They arrive without their parents, accompanied by no adult at all. Alone relates the journey of three of them: Afshin, Alain and Patricia. Their story opens a window onto the many heartbreaks, difficult sacrifices and countless hardships that punctuate their obstacle-filled path. But Alone most especially tells of the courage and resilience that these young people demonstrated before being able to finally obtain a life where threats and danger are no longer a part of their everyday existence."--

Book Synopsis

Finalist, Governor General's Literary Award, Translation

Each year, more than 400 minors arrive alone in Canada requesting refugee status. They arrive without their parents, accompanied by no adult at all.

Alone relates the journey of three of them: Afshin, Alain and Patricia. Their story opens a window onto the many heartbreaks, difficult sacrifices and countless hardships that punctuate their obstacle-filled path. But Alone most especially tells of the courage and resilience that these young people demonstrated before being able to finally obtain a life where threats and danger are no longer a part of their everyday existence.

Key Text Features:

author's note

captions

chapters

character drawings

comic

map

dialogue

flags

further information

illustrations

introduction

maps

writing inspiration

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.3

Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7

Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.

Review Quotes

Alone doesn't shy away from heartbreak and injustice, but the characters are so charming that the stories remain cheerful and uplifting even when relating so much hardship. Most importantly, the book is a reminder of the importance of welcoming refugees.

-- "Canadian Children's Book News"

Blunt, heartbreaking, and hopeful ... On a muted canvas peppered with stark reds and greens, illustrator Mélanie Baillairgé storyboards the bitterness of separation and the bittersweet relief of arrivals. In Alone, these tender and real stories find shelter.

-- "Montreal Review of Books"

Quietly awe-inspiring.

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

[Alone] will serve to humanize the situation of seeking safe haven.

-- "Booklist"

An exceptional introduction to understanding the plight of young refugees.

-- "Globe and Mail"

Clearly told and accompanied with a wealth of illustrations ... A valuable book.

-- "Winnipeg Free Press"

An excellent introduction for anyone who wishes to understand and empathize with refugees and read first-hand accounts of such incredible young people.

-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"

A stylized, minimalist approach hones three complex story lines down to a sharply rendered tale.

-- "Publishers Weekly"