Images of war-torn nations continue to dominate our newsfeeds, and natural disasters continue to leave whole communities homeless. Desperate mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, sons and daughters continue to pour into the U.K seeking refuge – a life where they can safely put food on the table. Only this morning I chatted to a Ukrainian lady at the cash desk in a coffee shop, and a Syrian lady at a tailor’s where I was having some alterations done. How wonderful that they can start to rebuild their lives here.
In 1920, my own grandfather fled from the Bolsheviks in Russia, and arrived by boat at the docks in Southampton without his parents. My Russian grandmother also escaped as a young girl, arriving a few years later.
It’s important for children to immerse themselves in refugee stories, so that they empathise with those recent arrivals sitting next to them on the bus or in the classroom, and welcome them. These stories familiarise children with the plight of refugees and the assistance they need, thus helping them grow up to be a compassionate generation.
Stories of forced migration are just as relevant for refugee children as well. As they turn the pages, the immigrant readers are confronted with stories of familiar harrowing journeys and others seeking asylum like them, which may help them process their struggles and feel less alone. Perhaps, if you are a teacher or librarian, you might suggest such titles, and for children still learning English, an audiobook might be easier (many libraries now offer a free audiobook lending service), or worth tracking down translations in their native tongue.
Why not have a browse below and just pick out one – perhaps there is a particular people or place close to your family’s heart? This might help spark interest in a more reluctant reader.
Books for 5+
Books for 8 +
Books for 12+
Further Reading Suggestions
Over 30 Christmas Picture Books
CLASSICALLY CURIOUS 