Based on the experiences of real Syrian families, A Dangerous Crossing is a story of bravery and solidarity in the face of despair.

Endorsed by Amnesty International.

Ghalib doesn’t want to leave his home, but Syria has become too dangerous, and his family has no choice but to flee. Together they start out on a terrible journey that leads them through dark and dangerous places. They come under fire, they are fleeced by illegal border-breakers; they experience the wretched and hopeless life of a refugee camp. And they still have to face the perils of a voyage in a boat that is far from seaworthy.

PRAISE FOR A DANGEROUS CROSSING

'I now understand the Syrian refugee crisis like never before. I walked in young Ghalib’s fresh white runners from the refugee camp, I was thrown back by the bomb blast that hit his town, I wept his tears, felt his frustration and anger. 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, author and children’s books commentator

'This heartbreaking story depicts the reality of fleeing war, as told by a 13-year-old boy. Not only is her story told with compassion and understanding, it is also a timely and vital read. Deserving of a place on every school reading list' – Booktrust UK

'Jane Mitchell’s treatment of this topical and serious issue is sensitive and well-researched, drawing from true accounts and paying tribute to real Syrian children who have tragically been victims of the war. The result is a captivating, beautifully written book celebrating the bonds of family and friendship formed and strengthened by terrible circumstances.' – Scottish Book Trust 

'A very fine and gripping portrayal of one family’s journey from their homeland into an uncertain future.' – School Library Association 

‘Emotional and revealing … A difficult story handled with sensitivity and insight’ – Lancashire Post

'What makes A Dangerous Crossing such a powerful experience is the way in which it explores the plight of many, through the unique story of one family… By tracing the routes of many refugees, and hearing their stories, Mitchell creates a real sense of place. This produces not only a fascinating insight on Syrian refugees endorsed by Amnesty international, but also a darn good (and dare one say entertaining) adventure story.' – Emily Elphinstone, Nomoreworkhorse

'A Dangerous Crossing is an absolute triumph. Beautifully written from the heart & a poignant story. Highly recommend.’ –Elizabeth Rose Murray, author of the Book of Learning trilogy

'We need to have empathy during this crisis and understand where and what these people are escaping from. Jane Mitchell has crafted not only a beautiful book, but a sort of manifesto for young people about the refugee crisis, to fully understand the extent of what’s occurring. It is my hope that it gets the media coverage and readership that it deserves for more reasons than I have paper to list them on. It is extremely timely and densely political, but beautiful nonetheless.’ –  Gobblefunked

'A timely and stark insight into the plight of Syrian refugees … In spite of the tragic circumstances that propel the narrative, the story has an ultimately hopeful and redemptive quality … a compelling story.' – Inis, the magazine of Children’s Books Ireland

'A bold, tense, gripping story of refugees fleeing the chaotic and terrifying Syrian civil war.  This really is an extraordinary piece of writing that captures the hardship, hope, despair and total uncertainty of giving up everything, taking nothing and stepping into an utterly frightening and bewildering unknown.  The writing is layered with passion, compassion and love and will leave you breathless at the end.  A heart-racing read.' – Jeju Librarian

‘This tense and gripping novel is layered with compassion, insight and psychological authenticity in its powerful evocation of the chaos of the Syrian civil war. Ghalib doesn’t want to leave his home but he and his family have no choice but to flee. Based on the experiences of real Syrian families, Jane Mitchell has crafted a deeply empathetic exploration of the plight of refugees and the intense challenges posed by embarking into the bewildering unknown. – Judges for the Children’s Books Ireland Awards

Jane Mitchell lives in Dublin and works with children with physical disabilities. Her Amnesty International- endorsed novel A Dangerous Crossing (Little Island), about a Syrian family fleeing the war, has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide. Jane spent time volunteering at the refugee camp in Calais to research the book. Chalkline (Walker), about child soldiers in Kashmir, won the Children's Choice Award at the 2010 CBI Awards.