Children’s books about refugees

Azzi in Between

by Sarah Garland (2012)
Azzi and her parents are in danger. They have to leave their home and escape to another country on a frightening journey by car and boat. In the new country they must learn to speak a new language, find a new home and Azzi must start a new school. With a kind helper at the school, Azzi begins to learn English and understand that she is not the only one who has had to flee her home. She makes a new friend, and with courage and resourcefulness, begins to adapt to her new life. But Grandma has been left behind and Azzi misses her more than anything. Will Azzi ever see her grandma again? Drawing on her own experience of working among refugee families, renowned author and illustrator Sarah Garland tells, with tenderness and humour, an exciting adventure story to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.Endorsed by Amnesty International.

Children in our World: Refugees and Migrants

by Ceri Roberts and Hanane Kai (2017)

With our 24/7 news cycle and constant access to the latest headlines, the world can be a scary place. Now imagine you’re a child trying to make sense of it all! What does this news mean? How does it affect me? That’s where Children in Our World can help. This beautifully illustrated non-fiction series takes a timely look at today’s biggest issues and sensitively explains the crises that dominate the news in an appropriate way for young children. Each book uses relatable comparisons, carefully researched text, and striking illustrations to help kids understand the many difficulties that children just like them face in the world today. Refugees and Migrants discusses the questions “What does it mean to be a refugee—or a migrant? Why would people leave their homes?” It answers kids’ questions, offers reassurance, and empowers them with ways they can help those affected. Where issues are not appropriate to describe in words, award-winning illustrator Hanane Kai uses a deft hand to create powerful illustrations that help children visualize the people impacted by poverty, hunger, war, racism, and more. All of the images are sensitively rendered and perfectly suited for younger children. These books are an excellent cross-curricular resource—use them to explore these important issues and tie them into discussions about food, wealth, compassion, empathy, and current affairs. (Ages 6—10)

My name is not Refugee

by Kate Milner (2017)

A young boy discusses the journey he is about to make with his mother. They will leave their town, she explains, and it will be sad but also a little bit exciting. They will have to say goodbye to friends and loved ones, and that will be difficult. They will have to walk and walk and walk, and although they will see many new and interesting things, it will be difficult at times too. A powerful and moving exploration that draws the young reader into each stage of the journey, inviting the chance to imagine the decisions he or she would make. From the winner of the V&A Student Illustration Award 2016.

The Silence Seeker

by Ben Morley (2009)

Rachel’s Story: A real-life account of her journey from a country in Eurasia

by Andy Glynnne and Salvador Maldonado (BBC Learning 2016)

Sea Prayer

by Khaled Hosseini (2017)