The Arrival

Author: Shaun Tan

In this wordless graphic novel, through magnificent illustrations, Tan captures the disorientation immigrants often feel towards their new surroundings. It depicts the journey of one man who seems both accepted and rejected by his new country. The only writing is in an invented alphabet, which causes the viewer to feel confused just like immigrants must feel when they encounter a strange new language and way of life. A feeling of tolerance and acceptance is presented throughout the story trancending race and ethnicity. Both early readers and those more sophisticated will find this book interesting. It is an excellent conversation starter in any mainstream or ESL classroom.

Year Released: 2007

Grades 4-12