Books about refugees and asylum seekers for teenagers

Since asylum can be a confusing issue for teenagers (and even adults), here are some books that explore what it really means to flee your home and have to start your life over.

An illustration of two children walking through a refugee camp, one with their arm around the other, from the front cover of When Stars are Scattered

These books are mainly aimed at teenagers.

  • Illegal

    by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin, illustrated by Giovanni Rigano 

    2017 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Graphic novels

    Illegal tells the story of Ebo, a 12-year-old boy who flees grinding poverty, zero opportunities and a drunken uncle in his small village in Africa. An absolute must-read, this graphic novel is thought-provoking, profound, sensitive and totally gripping.

  • The Other Side of Truth

    by Beverley Naidoo 

    2017 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Around the world

    The family knew that Papa’s journalism might put them at risk. But now Mama is dead, their passports are seized and Papa must try to get the children to safety – illegally. A story of terror, loss, love and humanity. This novel wholly deserves its classic status. 

  • One Crow Alone

    by Sophie Crockett 

    2014 11 to 14 years 

    • Around the world
    • Fantasy
    • Thriller

    In the midst of a seemingly never-ending winter, Magda gradually loses all the things that give her life direction and meaning.

  • The Crossing

    by Manjeet Mann 

    2021 9 to 14 years 

    • Poetry and rhyme

    Sammy wants a new life in Europe, while Natalie wants to escape the realities of her life in the UK. A powerful and hard-hitting verse novel for older readers.

  • The Ones That Disappeared

    by Zana Fraillon 

    2017 11 to 14 years 

    • Fantasy

    Esra, Miran and Isa are enslaved children who escape with the aid of the magical Riverman. This powerful but harrowing read is best suited to older readers, unafraid to tackle difficult subjects. 

  • When Stars are Scattered

    by Omar Mohamed, illustrated by Victoria Jamieson 

    2020 11 to 14 years 

    • Around the world
    • Coming-of-age
    • Graphic novels
    • Non-fiction

    This is the true story of Omar Mohamed’s childhood in a refugee camp. Searing and poignant, with themes of equality, disability, and the value of education, it’s moving and sad and hopeful, all at the same time.

  • I am Malala

    by Malala Yousafzai 

    2015 11 to 14 years 

    • Around the world
    • Coming-of-age
    • Non-fiction

    This is the real life story of one of the most incredible and inspirational young people in the world. Reading this book might just change the way you think and feel.

  • Inheritance

    by Balli Kaur Jaswal 

    2017 11 to 14 years 

    • Around the world
    • Coming-of-age

    As a newly-independent Singapore struggles to establish its own identity and economic stability, a single father in the Punjabi Sikh community tries his hardest to keep his family intact. An astonishing novel.

  • Alpha: Abidjan to Gare du Nord

    by Bessora and Barroux 

    2016 11 to 14 years 

    • Around the world
    • Graphic novels

    A powerful, terrible and essential story, Alpha should be required reading for everyone. The graphic novel highlights the terror and hopelessness experienced by someone forced to leave their own country in search of a future.

  • Salt to the Sea

    by Ruta Sepetys 

    2016 11 to 14 years 

    • Around the world

    A group of children flee the war in Germany, each with a secret to hide and a painful past to bear. This book is brilliantly written and tremendously sad, showing the perspective of very different characters.

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