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.
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.
| Published By | Groundwood Books Ltd — May 2, 2023 |
| Specifications | 144 pages | 6 in x 8.5 in |
| Keywords | social topics; immigrant experience; migration and refugees; new country; new experience; overcoming fears; social issues; True stories; separation; travelling alone; adapting to change; far from home; fear of unknown; feeling isolated; making decisions; nonfiction narrative; nonfiction narrative; citizenship; cultures and national identity; economics; courage; perseverance; Prix Gémeaux; Prix Gémeaux; graphic novel; author's note; further information; illustrations; flags; visual storytelling; What Strange Paradise; Flee; |
| Written By |
PAUL TOM was born in a refugee camp in Thailand, the son of Cambodian parents. He currently lives in Montreal where he uses his talent and sensitivity for projects that give a voice to those people we don’t hear enough about. Whether working as a film editor, director or author, he tells stories in such a way as to shed light on the intimate, precious and fragile aspects of human beings. Alone is his first book. |
| Illustrated by |
MÉLANIE BAILLAIRGÉ lives and works in Montreal. A multi-talented artistic and creative director, she likes to create images using bold colours and dramatic lines. Her illustrations, which have great evocative power, go straight to the heart. |
| Written By |
|
PAUL TOM was born in a refugee camp in Thailand, the son of Cambodian parents. He currently lives in Montreal where he uses his talent and sensitivity for projects that give a voice to those people we don’t hear enough about. Whether working as a film editor, director or author, he tells stories in such a way as to shed light on the intimate, precious and fragile aspects of human beings. Alone is his first book. |
| Illustrated by |
|
MÉLANIE BAILLAIRGÉ lives and works in Montreal. A multi-talented artistic and creative director, she likes to create images using bold colours and dramatic lines. Her illustrations, which have great evocative power, go straight to the heart. |
| Audience | ages 8 to 12 / grades 3 to 7 |
| Key Text Features | author's note; captions; chapters; character drawings; comic; map; dialogue; flags; further information; illustrations; introduction; maps; writing inspiration |
| Common Core |
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.3
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7 |
Winner, Richard Allen Chase Memorial Award, 2024
Winner, Ontario Library Association Best Bets, 2023
Commended, Kirkus Best Middle Grade Books of the Year, 2023
Commended, NPR Books We Love, 2023
Commended, Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids, 2023
Short-listed, Governor General's Literary Award, Translation, 2023
Short-listed, Red Cedar Book Awards, 2024
Quietly awe-inspiring.
” —Kirkus Reviews[Alone] will serve to humanize the situation of seeking safe haven.
” —BooklistA stylized, minimalist approach hones three complex story lines down to a sharply rendered tale.
” —Publishers WeeklyAn exceptional introduction to understanding the plight of young refugees.
” —Globe and MailAlone 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 NewsAn 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 MaterialsBlunt, 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 BooksClearly told and accompanied with a wealth of illustrations ... A valuable book.
” —Winnipeg Free PressAn 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