Give Me Shelter
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
This moving collection of short stories focuses on the experiences of asylum seekers from all over the world, who due to persecution in their own countries have sought safety on foreign shores.
Told through the eyes of children, these tales encompass life under Mugabe in Zimbabwe, a journey hidden under boat's tarpaulin from Vietnam to Australia and a flight from war-torn Ethiopia to Britain.
These stories vividly portray the desperation felt by families who, having fled brutal regimes, find themselves the victim of prejudice and bullying in their often confusing and frightening new countries.
Often from comfortable backgrounds, these children have to adjust to sleeping in camps and temporary housing and frequently being viewed as second-class citizens in their new homes. An eye-opening collection, which will hopefully evoke empathy and understanding amongst all who read it.
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Kindness, compassion and empathy
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Books about refugees and asylum seekers (older children)
Since asylum can be a confusing issue for children (and even adults), here are some books that explore what it really means to flee your home and have to start your life over.