Ebo lives in Central Africa. When his mother passed, his uncle took charge of the family but does little aside from drinking. Ebo's older sister, Sisi, left months ago for Europe, promising to send money back. She hasn't been heard since. Kwame, Ebo's older brother, decide to strike for Europe as well to find his sister and let her know the family needs help. He leaves Ebo behind, and does not tell him he's leaving.
When Ebo realizes his brother is gone, he decides to do the same. He grabs his meager possessions, and takes the bus north towards the Sahara. A few days behind Kwame, he hopes to find him so they can travel together. Life for a young child is hard, however, but Ebo seizes every opportunity to work and same some money for the trip across the desert. Fortuitously he finds his brother, and when they have enough money they head across the desert where they are robbed and left behind. They manage to survive the crossing, only to find themselves in a civil war in Libya.
They once again work any job available, and attempt to hide from the security forces looking for illegal migrants. With enough money accumulated, they make the dangerous crossing of the Mediterranean in search of Sisi and a better life in Europe. Tragedy strikes, however, and the ship sinks, leaving the two brothers, who can't swim, in the middle of an ocean. Ebo is rescued, but Kwame is not. Sisi saw a picture of Ebo being rescued, and finds him in the migrant shelter.
A tale with currency, Ebo's tragic journey represents what millions of people have endured to escape conflict, violence, and poverty. Readers concerned about immigration will appreciate this haunting look at the story of someone who persevered to find his loved ones but paid a high price.
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