As much as we would like, we cannot always protect our children from frightening and upsetting news. As we hear of the war in Ukraine, and explore how we can support those whose lives are impacted by this conflict, we need to find ways to help our children understand and rationalise the fears they may have for their own safety. As we consider opening our own homes for those seeking sanctuary, we can help our children empathise with those people who are leaving their homeland to find safety in this country and elsewhere, away from the dangers they face. Stories and books can help children understand and process the things they see and hear, and can give us - the adults in children's lives - the opportunity we may need to talk about events.
To this end, in Reading Matters this week, I have put together a selection of books that may help us have those conversations.
There's Room for Everyone by Anahita Teymorian 3-6 yrs
A child grows and discovers the world. As he lies awake at night, he sees there’s enough room in the sky for all the stars and the moon. When he visits the ocean, he sees there is enough room for all the fish, even for the whales. As he grows up, he doesn’t understand why people fight for space. Surely, if we are kinder to one another, there will always be room for everyone? This is a beautiful and profound picture book ― a testament of our time and a touching allegory for war and the refugee crisis.
My Name is not Refugee by Kate Milner 3-6 years
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.
What is a Refugee? By Elise Gravel 3-7 years
In this simple, graphic and bold picture book for young children, author/illustrator Elise Gravel explores what it means to be a refugee. This book is the perfect tool to introduce an important and timely topic to children.
Why? By Nikolai Popov 4-8 years
A frog finds a beautiful flower and picks it for himself. When a mouse sees him with it, his jealousy overcomes him, and he swipes it. Frog's friends come to his aid and chase the mouse away. But before the frogs can celebrate, Mouse's friends return for a counter-attack. Before long the conflict has devolved into a full-scale frog-mouse war. By the end of it, all either side can ask is: why? This seemingly simple book tackles an important subject and will be an invaluable way to talk to young children about conflict and warfare.
Refugees and Migrants by Ceri Roberts 5-8 years
This is a beautiful book aimed at helping children understand the refugee and migrant crisis and its causes. It is gentle and does not go into great depth on the more distressing parts of the reality - but gives enough basic information to help children understand and empathise with families and children who are in this situation. The language is completely appropriate and the artwork is perfect.
Refugees by Brian Bilston 5-8 years
Refugees is a book of two voices. The first one sees the people fleeing from war and persecution and asks, Why here? Why my country? It is a feeling many people share. It is one of fear and suspicion. But when you read the text the opposite way, a new voice emerges. It says, Why not make them welcome? Why not share the things we have? This story shows both sides of the issue with skill and the illustrations depict the issue in a magic realism style, powerful but never frightening, and will promote a deeper discussion on this topic with an older child.
Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Rauf 8-10 years
This is the story about how one ordinary nine-year-old child and three classmates are full of empathy for Ahmet, a boy that comes to their school as a refugee from Syria (he is the boy at the back of the class). Through their sensitivity, curiosity, ingenuity, bravery and innocent niceness, they make a massive impact on Ahmet’s life, friends, class, school, community and wider world. There’s a lovely lack of stereotyping on gender and backstory for the narrator, which adds to the message of not judging people before you know them. An inspiring and sweet tale that will help children think about what it is to be a good person whatever your circumstances (the narrator is from a poor background with a single parent mum who struggles to make ends meet), and challenge prejudice and push for fairness, whenever possible.
The Diary of Anne Frank - Abridged for Younger Readers 9-11 years
The Diary of a Young Girl abridged for younger readers and published in memory of Anne Frank, who died 70 years ago, just weeks before the end of World War II. Sensitively edited and with a connecting commentary by editor, Mirjam Pressler, the abridged edition of The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank gives younger readers their first introduction to the extraordinary diary of an ordinary girl who has long become a household name.
White Bird - a graphic novel 9-14+ years
For readers who enjoyed R J Palacio's Wonder, Julian is best-known as Auggie Pullman's classroom bully. White Bird reveals a new side to Julian's story, as Julian discovers the moving and powerful tale of his grandmother, who was hidden from the Nazis as a young Jewish girl in occupied France during the Second World War. An unforgettable, unputdownable story about strength, courage and the power of kindness to change hearts, build bridges, and even save lives.
Playing Atari with Sadam Hussein 10-12 years
Ali Fadhil has very simple likes and dislikes. It is 1991 in Iraq and all Ali wants to do is read his comics and play football and video games. But President Saddam Hussein has other plans. After he invades neighbouring Kuwait, the U.S. and their allies launch Operation Desert Storm to force him out. Over the next forty-three days, Ali and his family would survive bombings, food shortages and constant fear.
Cinematic and timely, this is the story of how war changed one boy’s destiny forever and would one day bring him face to face with Saddam himself at the UN trial.
No Country - a graphic novel by Joe Brady 11-14 years
This tense, gripping graphic novel demonstrates just how quickly civilisation can fall apart. Bea lives with her dad, big sister and little brother; her mother has already had to flee their country, which is in the midst of a civil war, the forces of the state fighting the rebel Free Kingdom movement, with civilians bearing the brunt, enduring food shortages, power cuts and bomb attacks along with casual brutality from both sides. The family know they’ll have to leave soon, and the book describes the events that trigger their decision to go and live as refugees. The story describes what it’s like to live in a society where trust has collapsed, and where everyone is scared and desperate. But it underlines too, the power of family to hold together during the most difficult times and the importance of hope. Powerful and original, it makes for thought-provoking reading, with text and illustrations carrying a very strong message.
Boy Everywhere by A M Dassu 10-14 years
This novel chronicles the harrowing journey taken by Sami and his family from privilege to poverty, across countries and continents, from a comfortable life in Damascus, via a smuggler's den in Turkey, to a prison in Manchester. A story of survival, of family, of bravery ... In a world where we are told to see refugees as the 'other', this story will remind readers that 'they' are also 'us'.
I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai 12+ years
I Am Malala tells the remarkable true story of a girl who knew she wanted to change the world - and did. Raised in the Swat Valley in Pakistan, Malala was taught to stand up for her beliefs. When terrorists took control of her region and declared girls were forbidden from going to school, Malala fought for her right to an education. And, on 9 October 2012, she nearly paid the ultimate price for her courage when she was shot on her way home from school.
No one expected her to survive.
Now, she is an international symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest person ever to win a Nobel Peace Prize.