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Jane Mitchell

Award-winning writer of books for young people

A Dangerous Crossing

bookcover

What's the story?

Ghalib Shenu is a 13-year old boy of Kurdish origin who lives in Syria. He doesn’t want to leave his home, but Kobani has become too dangerous. His family has no choice but to leave everything behind and try for a new life elsewhere.

Together, they start out on a terrible journey that leads them through dark and dangerous places. Ghalib comes under fire, experiences the wretched and hopeless life of a refugee camp, and even has to face the perils of a voyage in a boat that is far from seaworthy.

Based on the experiences of real Syrian families, this is the story of bravery and solidarity in the face of despair.

More info

Buy A Dangerous Crossing directly from Little Island Books.

Endorsed by Amnesty International (Ireland) as contributing to a better understanding of human rights and the values that underpin them.

'Not only is [Jane Mitchell's] story told with compassion and understanding, it is also a timely and vital read. Deserving of a place on every school reading list.' (Booktrust, May 2017)

'I now understand the Syrian refugee crisis like never before...There’s nothing like a great novel to make the world come alive. An important book, a necessary book, but above all, a brilliantly told story.' (Sarah Webb, writer and reviewer, February 2017)

A Dangerous Crossing is published in North America with the title Without Refuge, and in Brazil with the title Uma Travessia Perigosa, (José Geraldo Couto, translator).

Publication Details

February 2017, Little Island Books, Dublin, Ireland: ISBN: 978 1 9104 1158 2

Awards

National Awards

Regional Awards

Teaching Resources

See the Teaching Resources page for further information.