Books about refugees and asylum seekers (teens)
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.
These books are mainly aimed at teenagers.
Check out our list for younger children
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When Stars are Scattered
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When Stars are Scattered
This is the true story of Omar Mohamed’s childhood in a refugee camp. Searing and poignant, with themes of equality, disability, a…
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Alpha: Abidjan to Gare du Nord
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Alpha: Abidjan to Gare du Nord
A powerful, terrible and essential story, Alpha should be required reading for everyone. The graphic novel highlights the terror a…
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The Ones That Disappeared
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The Ones That Disappeared
Esra, Miran and Isa are enslaved children who escape with the aid of the magical Riverman. This powerful but harrowing read i…
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Inheritance
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Inheritance
As a newly-independent Singapore struggles to establish its own identity and economic stability, a single father in the Punjabi Si…
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The Other Side of Truth
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The Other Side of Truth
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 …
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Salt to the Sea
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Salt to the Sea
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 writt…
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I am Malala
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I am Malala
This is the real life story of one of the most incredible and inspirational young people in the world. Reading this book might jus…
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If You Were Me
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If You Were Me
Complex plotting, thoughtful characterisation and terrifying insights into a world of organised crime will keep readers on the edg…
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One Crow Alone
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One Crow Alone
In the midst of a seemingly never-ending winter, Magda gradually loses all the things that give her life direction and meaning.
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Secrets in the Fire
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Secrets in the Fire
Sofia and her family flee their Mozambique village after her father is killed by bandits. They attempt to start afresh, but the da…
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Never Fall Down
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Never Fall Down
Growing up in Cambodia, Arn's life is one of carefree adventure - until the Khumer Rouge come to power and Arn's world is turned u…
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Looking at the Stars
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Looking at the Stars
Amina is headstrong and outspoken - traits seen as rebellion in the dictatorship she lives in. Ending up in an aid camp, her story…
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Say You're One of Them
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Say You're One of Them
Akpan's stories, told from the viewpoints of children (the innocent victims) are powerful, vivid and deeply moving.
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Selling Your Father's Bones
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Selling Your Father's Bones
In the summer of 1877, around seven hundred members of the Nez Perce Native American tribe set out on an epic 1,700-mile journey t…
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The Jungle
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The Jungle
Mico is a young African boy who's lost his family and livelihood, and is trying to get to safety in England. Stuck in the notoriou…
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