Refugees & Migration

Moving and affirmative narratives of new arrivals, refugees and migrants, with a strong focus on the UK. A clever combination of real life stories and imaginative fiction which challenge preconceptions and give an understanding of what it is like to start over in a new country. 10 Books Members Price £69.00 **Suitable substitutions will be made if any title becomes unavailable**

Moving and affirmative narratives of new arrivals, refugees and migrants, with a strong focus on the UK. A clever combination of real life stories and imaginative fiction which challenge preconceptions and give an understanding of what it is like to start over in a new country. 11 Books Members Price £75.00 **Suitable substitutions will be made if any title becomes unavailable**

Moving and affirmative narratives of new arrivals, refugees and migrants, with a strong focus on the UK. A clever combination of real life stories and imaginative fiction which challenge preconceptions and give an understanding of what it is like to start over in a new country. 21 Books Members Price £144.00 **Suitable substitutions will be made if any title becomes unavailable**

Winner Little Rebels Award 2014 A dystopian novel set in the UK. The 5 major banks have crashed, money is worthless, law & order are fragile and food is a precious commodity. The options are to go hungry, store food and risk being raided or flee the country. Matt and his family are forced to take that final option and make the dangerous escape to a refugee camp in France. Age 9-12, Paperback 296pp

Winner Little Rebels Award 2013 A smashing, Amnesty-endorsed, story of a family's escape from war and their journey to a strange new country (probably the UK). Realistic and positive. Told in a super child-friendly, comic-style, format. Age 7-11, Paperback 36pp

Winner Little Rebels Award 2013 A smashing, Amnesty-endorsed, story of a family's escape from war and their journey to a strange new country (probably the UK). Realistic and positive. Told in a super child-friendly, comic-style, format. Age 7-11, Hardback 36pp

Jamal and Bibi are forced to flee Afghanistan to seek refuge in Australia. Will they survive their amazing journey? Will the Australian government be won over by their football skills? Moving, hilarious and insightful. Absolutely compelling reads. Age 9+ Paperback 180pp

Christophe, a Rwandan refugee, has a heartbreaking story to share. Britain means a new language, a new home and new classmates- not all of them welcoming. But Christophe is determined to be heard...Age 7-11 Paperback 68pp Themes: Refugees and Migration

Britain seems rainy and colourless to Hassan, but after painting the bright colours of his refugee family's flight from sunny, war-torn Somalia he begins to see colours in his new home. Sensitively and beautifully illustrated. Age 6-9, 15pp Paperback Themes: Refugees and Migration, Peace and Conflict

"At the time I never thought of it as somewhere else. Somewhere else was anywhere except where we lived". So begins this story of Toda's flight to safety as civil war breaks out in her (nameless) country. An acute, witty narrative shows a child's bafflement in the face of an incomprehensible, topsy turvy adult world with its wars and its borders. 'It was a great book and it was beautifully written. I think it is a brilliant book' (Panashe 10, aged, LL reviewer). Age 9-12, Paperback 99pp

Jessie's Grandma is sounding confused- and she keeps harking on about past events which are clearly troubling her. Meantime, at school, Jessie is learning about the rise of fascism during the 1930s. Jessie starts to realise that these historical events are not so far removed from the present day prejudices she is witnessing in her immediate neighbourhood. A story about social justice which makes direct links between present-day Britain and Nazi Germany. Ages 9-12, Paperback 167pp

We first glimpsed this as a U.S. edition and hoped and hoped for a U.K. one. We didn't have to wait too long. A wordless picture book shows a child and his family migrating to a new, unspecified country. Stunning artwork takes us all on a journey from a confusing unfamiliar landscape to somewhere which is starting to feel a lot like home. Perfect visual literacy for children' whose first language isn't English- and for reluctant readers. 'A clever idea to tell the story in pictures, thus embracing all languages or those not yet learnt!' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, LL reviewer). Written by a Korean immigrant to the USA. Age 6-9, Paperback 39pp

When Ice's mum tells her they will have to move because she has an exciting new job in an exciting new country, Ice isn't so sure.... The journey is long, the new country is far too hot, the new school is full of creatures who don't look like her and don't understand her- and they prefer bananas to fish! Too weird! Could a 'North Pole Party' be just the welcome that Ice needs? A very clever, deceptively simple, picture book which introduces themes of transition and migration while ever so gently subverting a few assumptions about new arrivals! 'Really nice way to explore how we feel in different/new situations for children' (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, LL reviewer). 'Can use this book to explore lots of different situations for children, including migration and refugees' (Kerry, LL staff). Age 3-6 Paperback 27pp

`Wow! What a powerful book! So much you can take from this- in such a simple format.' (Primary Strategy Consultant, LL reviewer). A stark picture book which tackles huge themes- refugees, xenophobia, racism and human rights. A timeless fable. International award-winner. Age 7 to adult, Hardback 30pp

Winner Sendak Fellowship By the UK's first ever recipient of the Sendak Fellowship. A mournful looking polar bear looks out onto his seascape and wonders where all of his ice has gone. He decides to embark on an ice hunt, setting off in a tiny boat. En route, he picks up other animals whose natural habitats are under threat: a panda, an orang-utan and an elephant…until, finally, they land on an island inhabited by a Dodo. A wonderfully illustrated story about the destruction to our environment, forced migrations and hope for a much kinder future. 'A book to prick our collective conscience' (Eileen, Former Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 29pp

Based on the award-winning BAFTA animations produced for BBC Learning. Stills from the animations combined with the original personal testimonies of young refugees combine to create powerful and dramatic illustrated biographies for 'older' readers. This one tells the story of Juliane, a 12-year-old who is separated from her mum at a young age due to the civil conflict in Zambia. The book tracks her journey from a local under-resourced children's home to a reunion with her mother to their application for political asylum in a place of safety. Juliane speaks directly to the reader through the barest, most straightforward of texts- but the issues her narrative raises are of course vast and complex. A great springboard for class discussions on refugees and asylum seekers. 'Beautiful artwork and a story that can give young children some context for asylum seeking' (Josephine, aged 15, LL reviewer). 'It will definitely reveal to children what refugees go through before they find shelter in a new country. The artwork is brilliant, bright and charming' (Nike, Social Worker, LL reviewer). Age 8-12, Paperback 29pp

A nameless country. A war which stretches like a grasping hand across the land. A parent and her two children separated from their father. A journey to a strange place with strange cities and creatures and landscapes. A long and painful journey. Borders to climb. Seas to cross. Angry guards to evade. A journey that doesn't ever end- even with this book. Evocative, devastatingly simple, text- "The further we go...the more we leave behind"- is extended by illustrations which layer and build the story with other narratives. Based on the author's interviews with refugees and migrants from many different countries, woven here into one multifaceted, unique, hopeful quest for freedom and safety. Truly excellent. Age 7-11, Hardback 41pp

Football-loving Kasia and mum have moved to England. Kasia is full of homesickness. Most of all she misses her babcia and dziadek. But a surprise summer visit makes her reassess her new home town...Age 5-8, Paperback 58pp Themes: Refugees and Migration, Families

"The streets smelled of mutton soup and coal dust and no one spoke my language. All of it told me, 'This is not where you belong'". A young boy feels isolated and excluded in a small Welsh town. But there is one thing which brings him the warmth of his old home- Mr Evans' homing pigeons, who strut as proudly as the ones in St Peters Square, Rome. And so, a lovely intergenerational relationship springs up between a young boy and elderly man, leading, finally, to a new understanding of 'home'. 'Beautiful pictures, good book' (Isak, aged 7, LL reviewer). A touching story of belonging and new beginnings. Endorsed by Amnesty International UK. Age 4-7, Hardback 52pp

Tariq loves his funny, clever dad to bits, but when it comes to school presentation day, he wishes Mr Chaudury's English was a little more fluent. A warm portrayal of a 2nd generation Bengali family. 'A lovely story- full of humour' (Former Primary Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 5-8, Paperback 58pp

Amy and Monifa were both born in the UK- but Amy is Chinese. They have similarities and differences. They are best friends. Superb explorations of friendships across cultures. Enchanting! Age 4-7, Hardback 30pp Themes: Refugees and Migration, Making Friends

Jamal and Joseph were born in the same UK hospital but Jamal is Somali. They have similarities and differences. They are best friends. A superb exploration of friendship across cultures. Age 4-7, Hardback 30pp Themes: Refugees and Migration, Making Friends

Shortlisted for Little Rebels Award 2015 Nadine and her family flee the civil conflict and rebel army in Goma to start over in the UK. But school is a strange and frightening place to Nadine until a teacher finds her a special picture which reminds her of home. 'This short book conveys some of the sense of strangeness, fear and unhappiness children like Nadine experience. It also provides an optimistic ending of a kind that can help children believe it is possible for situations to improve' (Prof. Kim Reynolds, Newcastle University & Little Rebels Judge). Reading Age 7+ Interest 8-12, Paperback 47pp

Based on the award-winning BAFTA animations produced for BBC Learning. Stills from the animations combined with the original personal testimonies of young refugees combine to create powerful and dramatic illustrated biographies for 'older' readers. This one tells the story of Navid, a Kurdish child whose father stands up against the Iranian government's regime and has his life threatened as a result. First, his father leaves the family home, then Navid and his mum have to flee as well. Their journey is dangerous, taking them across Italy, Slovenia, France and, finally, to an unspecified country (very much like the UK), a new home and a new school which offer all the challenges as well as comforts that sanctuary brings. Deceptively simple text which captures Navid's voice exposes complicated and painful stories for our times. This series offers a fantastic grounding for class discussions on refugees and asylum seekers. 'The authentic voice in the story is powerfully believable' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 8-12, Paperback 29pp

Carnegie Medal Winner Sade and Femi have to leave Nigeria hastily and in secret, their journalist father having incurred the wrath of the regime. But they will be safe once they reach Britain, won't they? 'Beverley Naidoo has struck home again, bringing together the critical themes of political oppression, exile, Africa and childhood. The Other Side of Truth has resonances of the execution of the Nigerian writer Ken Saro-Wiwa.... Not only a marvellous read but one that refuels the desire for justice and freedom within and beyond our shores.' From the Foreword by Jon Snow of Channel 4. Age 10+, Paperback 225pp

One year the crops fail and so Pancho the Rabbit's Dad goes away to find work in the great carrot and lettuce field, a journey fraught with dangers. A clever and unusual story set on the Mexican/US border but with clear global resonances. A very modern story of poverty and migration delivered through a beautifully traditional style of storytelling. Age 6-10, American Import Hardback 31pp

A fantastic new series which follows UK children as they travel to their parent's place of birth. Dazzling photographs present a vibrant portrait of China as seen through the eyes of young Shanyi. Bursting with delightful details, including a child-friendly recipe for steamed egg custard! Age 6-9, Hardback 29pp Themes: Refugees and Migration

A new boy moves in next door. Mum says he's an asylum seeker. 'A Silence Seeker!' says Joe. And so begins the story of a delightful little boy who sets out to find silence for his new friend. Age 6-9, Paperback 26pp Themes: Refugees and Migration, Making Friends

"Maybe this is what it is like to die. To be ripped away. To leave behind everything you have ever loved, unable to return". A tiny rubber dinghy, on a wide, wide ocean carrying strangers on a dangerous journey- a group of lost, desperate people who are brought into a new family by Rami, a fourteen year old child, with a face a thousand years old. It is Rami who gently gives voice to the passenger's stories, prompting them with his violin as he plays a tune, soaring with melancholy and hope, conjuring up an ancient story of freedom, a story like the wind. Lewis adopts a sparse writing style with carefully collected words which seem to magnify meanings like a parable. A story of our time, echoing the perilous journeys made by Syrian refugees, but also a story which we know has gone many times before. Beautifully accompanied by evocative grainy, soft, 'smudgy' drawings. Amnesty endorsed, Lewis performs another star turn, making issues of social justice accessible, authentic and galvanising to young people. A long time favourite author of Letterbox Library. 'Such a beautiful story-deeply moving. Poetic and powerful- unforgettable' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 8-12, Hardback 77pp

"There are these people. They've got something on me. In turn, I've got something on one of the refugee boys. Hassan is new, so he doesn't have anything on anybody. He just wants to fit in". The Blokes are a group of boys at Jack's school, united in their fight to bully and ostracise the refugee, Black and Asian children. Jack befriends Hassan, a Syrian refugee who has just recently arrived- but now, the Blokes have given him orders to take Hassan down or else..." Will Hassan survive and will Jack finally learn to do the right thing? A timely story about racism, anti-immigrant prejudice, bullying and the power of friendship to triumph over hate. Reading Age 7+ Interest 10-14, Paperback 57pp

Little Rebels Award Shortlist 2017 Joe is proud of his Welsh/Italian heritage and the business run by his family in Bryn Mawr, South Wales. Mum is starting to feel less enamoured with Café Merelli's cracked Formica walls and peeling vinyl, none of which is likely to get repaired while the local recession persists. But Joe is full of entrepreneurial spirit. Inspired by his grandfather/Nono's stories of the past and with the arrival of his authentically Italian cousin, Mimi, Joe is eager to learn all the secrets of al dente pasta and to fight to protect Café Merelli's future by reviving it's Italian origins. Along the way, Joe learns some sometimes difficult truths about his own roots and the history and lives of Italian immigrants in Wales. A warm, funny and clever story about identity, belonging and immigration, within a working-class (for once!) community- with a very endearing, chip-loving, opera-adoring child at its centre. (nb: one of the narrative strands is loosely based on the 1940 sinking of the SS Arandora Star which sailed from Liverpool with interned Italians and Germans- 53 of the Italians who died were from Wales). Fab backnotes on opera and some pasta recipes! Age 9-12, Paperback 283pp

"Don't be surprised now, Andi, your brother is tall. Tall, you hear me?" Andi doesn't know quite what to expect as she awaits her long lost half-brother's arrival from the Philippines. But she hopes that, at least he'll 'get' her basketball obsession. A clash of Filipino and English cultures, a touch of sibling rivalry and more than a dusting of magic provide the background to a quirky, bittersweet story. Age 11-14, Paperback 295pp

A teacher tells her multicultural class about the journey her great-grandmother took to change countries and then gets the children to imagine what things they might take if they had to leave their homeland behind. Enjoy the double page spreads which detail each child's bedroom as they wonder about which favourite objects they would take with them- a pet rat? A Katy Perry concert ticket?, A signed Harry Potter book? Punk-rocker Barbie? Abuelo's beret? A cheerful, rhyming, book which very deliberately portrays an unspecified migration journey and a multicultural classroom in order to get children to think about identity and belonging, where they've come from, their family histories- and where they might go! Ends with a fantastic pop up suitcase to drop small objects in to, with the ending text: "What would YOU take? Which things would they be that say to the world, Hi there, This Is Me!" (nb: includes a nice portrayal of a child wearing orthodontic headgear!) 'Nice stimulus for exploring heritage and what we value. Lovely to see diverse ethnic representation in terms of the class and families represented' (Farrah, CLPE Learning Programme Leader, LL reviewer). 'An early introduction to the concept of refugees; I think it would do well (Elena, Community Librarian, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Hardback 32pp

Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Award Winner 2010 A fantastic action-fuelled Oliver Twist adventure starring two refugees on the run in London. 'Great book! Thrilling, tense and un-put-downable...once I realised I was holding my breath!' (Alex, 11, LL reviewer). Age 9+, Paperback 168pp Themes: Refugees and Migration

Guardian Children's Fiction Prize Winner 2012 A brilliantly conceived, unforgettable, story about two refugee brothers from Mongolia trying to fit into their Liverpool school. Evocative Polaroid photos and a magical text full of warmth and soul. Age 9-13, Paperback 43pp

A book which, amongst its very many achievements, expertly gets children to see how very easy it is to become displaced, prompting them to imagine themselves as refugees. This in-depth exploration of the context and history of refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants succeeds in breaking down so many of the myths which are poisoning current debates. There are lots of real-life accounts, including the authors' own experiences as well as profiles of migrants and refugees who have plenty of teen appeal, e.g.: Young Poet Laureate 2014, Warsan Shire (her poetry featured in Beyoncé's Lemonade), comedian Omid Djalili, Benjamin Zephaniah, singer Rita Ora. Fact boxes, mini biographies, a glossary, archive photography, discussion points and personal testimonies are repeatedly interjected with 'Think About' signposts which keep nudging young people to empathise, to relate, to consider, to give proper weight to the issue. 'An excellent reference and source book. Teachers will find it invaluable for an in-depth debate, discussion and clearer understanding' (Elaine, Foster Care Associates Liaison Officer, LL reviewer). Full of real substance and well worth the price tag. Age 9-13, Hardback 45pp