Safe Passage by G. Neri and David Brame

G. Neri, the acclaimed author of the graphic novel Yummy has crafted another unputdown-able graphic novel in black and white.   Set in  Chicago,  Safe Passage tells the story of 15 year-old Darius who recently lost his mother to gun violence.

Darius and his younger half-sister Cissy are being raised by Darius’ step- father who is struggling with unemployment and the threat of eviction after the loss of his wife.  Their stepfather is determined to keep his kids on a “safe path” through school, despite the ever-present threat of gang violence in the neighborhood.

At school Darius just wants to get through the day, but his friend Booger has flashy dreams about grabbing the chance to make a cool half-million.   Cissy however is not going to let Darius out of her sight.  And so the adventure begins.

Readers who have asked for another one just like Yummy will find that Safe Passage is at least twice as long,   but readers  who hunger for more and have the stamina to read 200 pages will not be disappointed.  In keeping things realer than real, and in bringing the hard truths of Chicago gangland to the page, Neri’s storytelling skills are on display. Highly recommended for all readers craving realistic, urban  stories.--Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Neri, G. and David Brame.  Safe Passage.  New York: Lee and Low, 2024.  Print.