June 20 is World Refugee Day – an opportunity for parents and educators to teach children about the refugee crisis. Talking with children about global issues can be challenging, but one of the best ways to start the conversation is with a good book. Working in conflict-affected areas like Bangladesh, Indonesia and Jordan, Room to Read has seen first-hand how books can build bridges between cultures.
That’s why we created a child-friendly list of books that shed light on the refugee experience. Ranging from picture books to young adult novels, these stories can help create a more compassionate world of global citizens.
Picture Books: (Ages 4-7)
Calling the Water Drum
By LaTisha Redding, illustrated by Aaron Boyd (Lee & Low, 2016)
My Beautiful Birds
By Suzanne Del Rizzo (Pajama Press, 2017)
The Treasure Box
By Margaret Wild, illustrated by Freya Blackwood (Candlewick, 2017)
Refugees and Migrants
By Ceri Roberts and Hanane Kai (Barron's Educational Series, 2017)
A Different Pond
By Bao Phi, illustrated by Thi Bui (Capstone, 2017)
Pablo and Birdy
By Alison McGhee, illustrated by Ana Juan (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (2017)
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35 book recommendations from Room to Read. Our global publishing expert, Alisha Berger, broke these titles into age-appropriate categories, so you know which book is best for your child.