Refugee Boy

Alem, a teenager from Ethiopia, is in a bed and breakfast in Berkshire with his father. His father leaves a note explaining that he and his mother want to protect Alem from the war. Alem lives from letter to letter, waiting to hear something from his father. He then meets Mustapha, Ruth, and Sweeney, three unexpected allies who spur him on in his fight to be seen as more than just the Refugee Boy. Lemn Sissay's stage adaptation of Benjamin Zephaniah's novel is published in the Methuen Drama Student Edition series, with commentary & notes by Professor Lynette Goddard that help the student unpack the play's themes, language, structure, and production history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 104 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Alem, a teenager from Ethiopia, finds himself in a bed and breakfast in Berkshire during a violent civil war back home. It is his best holiday ever, until his father suddenly disappears, leaving a note explaining that he and his mother want to protect Alem from the war. England becomes his new home, a strange and grey place where he lives in the hands of the social services and the Refugee Council, waiting for a letter from his father.

One day, Alem meets Mustapha, a car-obsessed boy; Ruth, a beautiful girl out of his league; and Sweeney, a dangerous individual. These unexpected allies become his driving force in his quest to be seen as more than just the "Refugee Boy." Lemn Sissay's remarkable stage adaptation of Benjamin Zephaniah's bestselling novel is published in the Methuen Drama Student Edition series. Accompanied by commentary and notes by Professor Lynette Goddard (Royal Holloway, University of London, UK), the play helps students unpack its themes, language, structure, and production history.

Through their experiences, Alem learns about resilience, friendship, and the power of hope in the face of adversity. He discovers that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light to guide us forward. The play serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's strength and the importance of compassion and understanding in a world that is often divided.

Weight: 96g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350171916