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Refugee Boy

by Benjamin Zephaniah

Interest age: 10 to 14
Reading age: 10+

Published by Bloomsbury, 2001

  • Classics

About this book

Alem's father is Ethiopian and his mother is Eritrean, and there is a dangerous conflict raging between the two countries.

For his own safety, Alem's father brings him to England to escape the dangers at home. At first, Alem is delighted to be having a holiday with his dad, until he wakes up one morning to find his father has left him in England alone.

Although Alem is heartbroken and everything about English culture is very confusing, he tries to see the positives of living in a cold, alien environment far from his home and family.

Alem's moving story helps the reader understand the difficulties refugees face coming to England from a child's perspective, but also points out the huge advantages we all take for granted – free education, no war, a support system that tries to help and a legal system that tries to bring justice and security to refugees. It also shows how the British press constantly stirs up hatred against refugees and minorities, and how difficult that is for Alem.

There are a number of excellent refugee stories published more recently, such as The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle and The Boy at the Back of the Class, but Refugee Boy really stands the test of time, highlighting the problems children like Alem face, wherever they come from.

About the author

Benjamin Zephaniah was a pioneer of the performance poetry scene. He recorded albums, wrote plays for stage, radio and television, and wrote poetry for children, adults, and novels for teenagers. He was also an actor and television presenter. His message was one of unity, peace and expression through creativity. He held 16 honorary doctorates and was visiting professor at De Montfort University and Professor of Poetry and Creative Writing at Brunel University.

His autobiography, The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah, was nominated for two major awards and he toured often with his band. Benjamin lived in Lincolnshire for much of his later life.

Benjamin passed away on 7 December 2023. 

Diana Gerald, Chief Executive of BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, said:  

“Everyone at BookTrust is devastated to hear the news about one of the nation’s favouritepoets Benjamin Zephaniah. 

“Benjamin Zephaniah was a pioneer of the performance poetry scene. He recorded albums, wrote plays for stage, radio and television, and he wrote poetry for children, adults, and novels for teenagers. He was also an actor and television presenter. His message was one of unity, peace and expression through creativity. He held 16 honorary doctorates and was visiting professor at De Montfort University and Professor of Poetry and Creative Writing at Brunel University. 

“His fiction and poetry collections for older children, including Face, Gangsta Rap, Teacher’s Dead, Refugee Boy and Terror Kid and Windrush Child, have become thought-provoking beloved classics to be treasured forever by children and the adults they turn into, and by teachers.   

“His picture book with Nila Aye, Nature Trail, was shortlisted for the BookTrust Storytime Prize 2023, because it brought wonder and joy in nature to children. Benjamin’s energy and love for words and their ability to change children's lives will be sorely missed.” 

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