Alone: The Journeys of Three Young Refugees

Alone traces the stories of three real-life teens who arrive in Canada by themselves. Readers meet Afshin, a 13-year-old from Iran who wants to escape war and conscription. Alain, from Burundi, is also 13. His father has been arrested, and the family fears a similar punishment. Lastly, readers meet Patricia, a 16-year-old Ugandan teen whose sexuality means a prison term if she is found out. All three leave their families and risk their lives in order to come to Canada and start over.

Paul Tom’s book, translated into English by Arielle Aaronson, describes the physical dangers and psychological stresses encountered by the three main characters. Their courage to leave everything behind is incredible, and the story gives a face to the many unaccompanied minors we hear about on news broadcasts. Each year, more than 400 minors arrive alone and request refugee status in Canada.

The stories of escape are harrowing; the loss of family is heartbreaking. However, the need to survive and the determination of each young person as they begin to rebuild their lives are reminder of just how strong the human spirit can be.

Each chapter begins with a few sentences which draw the reader in by asking them to imagine themselves in such a situation. The excerpt quoted above is at the beginning of chapter one.
This approach encourages author Paul Tom’s young readers to better understand and empathize with the stories being told. Illustrations by Melanie Baillairgé are in reds and greens against solid backgrounds. They portray details of the story and the characters’ emotions in a simple yet very effective way.

The last pages of Alone: The Journeys of Three Young Refugees tell readers where each of these people has ended up, and their ultimate success is the final high note of the story. While the book is directed at a middle-school audience, it serves as an excellent introduction for anyone who wishes to understand and empathize with refugees and read first-hand accounts of such incredible young people.