Leaving your home and moving to a new place can be difficult – especially if you have to learn a new language as well. These stories about refugees might help children new to this country to settle in. They may also help children meeting refugees for the first time to understand the difficulties new arrivals may face.
Christophe’s Story – Nicky Cornwell and Karin Littlewood
Christophe is having trouble getting used to his new school, new language and new life. His teacher persuades Christophe to share his story with his classmates – so he tells them of the terrifying day the soldiers came.
Age: 9+
The Unforgotten Coat – Frank Cottrell Boyce
A story of two refugee brothers from Mongolia who are determined to fit in with their Liverpool schoolmates
Age: 9+
The Day War Came – Nicola Davies
Shows how on an ordinary day a child’s life can be changed forever. Very moving and it is the children who come up with the solution to the problem. Great discussion book.
7+
Azzi In Between – Sarah Garland
Azzi and her parents flee their home country and come to a new land. They must learn to speak a new language, find a home and Azzi starts a new school.
Age: 7+
The Colour of Home – Mary Hoffman and Karin Littlewood
Hassan has fled from war in Somalia and arrived in the UK via a refugee camp. He begins to receive the help he needs via his school.
Age: 5+
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit – Judith Kerr
This is first part of a trilogy telling the unforgettable story of a Jewish family fleeing from Germany at the start of the Second World War.
Age: 9+
Shadow – Michael Morpurgo
When a Western dog befriends an Afghan boy and his mother, the three start a perilous journey to escape their war-torn country to relatives in England.
Age: 7+
The Journey – Francesca Sanna
A beautifully illustrated book exploring the unimaginable decisions made as a family leave their home and everything they know to escape the turmoil and tragedy brought by war.
Age: 5+
The Arrival – Shaun Tan
This is a migrant story told as a series of wordless images that might seem to come from a long forgotten time. With nothing more than a suitcase and a handful of currency, the migrant seeks a place to live, food to eat and employment.
Age: 7+
Hampshire Libraries 