This book is a collection of brief stories told by young people from different parts of the world. There are 20 voices heard throughout the book and they are telling the story of their lives, the problems and conflicts in their original home state. It also tells about why each of them had to leave home to reside elsewhere. The author talks about states that many children and their families had to leave to escape from because of the effects of war. Through the lives of these characters it shows that these children were not able to have a normal childhood. Many of these children were broken away from their families and/or lost their family. This book would be best for grades 5 and up because it is very detail and could affect younger children who may not understand. It could be used to teach a history lesson of the information about the states that are talked about throughout the book. It can also bring up the idea of different culture.

This is a very poignant and inspiring collection of stories from refugee children all over the world. It is told through their eyes, and provides an insight into their harrowing plight and that of most of the the world’s refugees. From a six-year-old who has left war-torn Liberia, but wants to return because ‘it is my country. It is my home.’ To the oldest from the Congo who spent two weeks trekking in the jungle with his family after fleeing their home. So many don’t know where their families are and are often moved from place to place because no-one wants refugees outstaying their welcome which adds to their isolation and feelings of displacement.Short explanation of the problems facing each country that these children have fled from is excellent.p.88 – 89 up to ‘reunited’.John Chol Kon was 5 when he left his country

From LETTERBOX LIBRARY:

Real-life accounts by refugee children across the world. A unique, moving, sometimes disturbing, often inspirational collection. An essential read. Age 11+. Paperback 115pp

Price: £5.99