Books about refugees and asylum seekers for teenagers

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 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. 

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.