Books about refugees and asylum seekers for older children

Partly autobiographical, this is first of the internationally acclaimed trilogy by Judith Kerr telling the unforgettable story of a Jewish family fleeing from Germany at the start of the World War II.

This is a moving tale of a refugee family told in graphic novel style and so appealing to a wide range of younger readers.

This is the story about how four classmates have a massive impact on the life of Ahmet, a boy that comes to their school as a refugee from Syria. An inspiring and sweet tale that should help children be the best they can be and realise the power of kindness.

Ayesha and her young brothers find themselves refugees in a bombed out flat in Beirut with only an elderly grandmother to care for them.

This heartbreaking story depicts the reality of fleeing war, as told by a 13-year-old boy. Not only is their story told with compassion and understanding, it is also a timely and vital read. Deserving of a place on every school reading list.

Omar doesn’t know much about politics, nor does he care, however, when his older brother, Musa, throws his lot in with the student opposition to the government, everything changes.

Gill Lewis’s brief but beautiful story is rich in wonder, as well as being a timely reminder of the refugee crisis. Mixed with an exotic story of wild horses and a Dark Lord that rules a kingdom in peril, this is an unusual and memorable book.

Rosen and Young explain what might make people leave their homes and journey to other countries, the rights that refugees and migrants have and the ways that they travel, as well as discussing wider relevant ideas. A fascinating and well-presented book. 

This emotive poetry anthology from former Children’s Laureate, Michael Rosen, explores the plight of refugees today, Rosen’s childhood as part of a Jewish family in post-war London, his family’s’ memories of the war, and the fate of relatives who disappeared in Nazi Germany.

The story of Sami, a Syrian boy who is forced to leave his home with nothing when war strikes. 

Can Miso the fox help Leila rediscover her mother? An incredibly moving story with breath-taking illustrations – perfect for upper primary readers.

This chilling picture book about prejudice, intolerance and the plight of refugees will spark classroom discussions with older readers.

A richly atmospheric story of friendship, courage and survival. It provides a rare insight into Tibetan culture and raises timely questions about the nature of freedom.

This heartbreaking tale of a group of children living in a refugee camp is based on real events, and will make readers both young and old reflect on those less fortunate than them.

Twelve-year-old Yeva’s diary from the early days of the Russian-Ukrainian war, showing how war affects ordinary people.

Samim loves numbers and chess. But after a perilous journey from Afghanistan, will he find a permanent home in the UK? Moving but hopeful. 

This is a timely and important book which illuminates the realities of life as a refugee. The horrors that 14-year-old Shif is escaping are all too real, but this is ultimately a story about the power of kindness and the strength of the human spirit.

First published in Italian last year, the story of Enaiatollah Akbari’s journey from Afghanistan to Italy has now been translated into English

Fate leads Liam to find an abandoned baby and as a result his life becomes entwined with that of Oliver, an African boy seeking asylum and Crystal, an emotionally damaged girl.