Finding Home: Words from Kids Seeking Sanctuary
by Gwen Agna (Author) Shelley Rotner (Illustrator)
In this photographic picture book, the authors record and transcribe the words of displaced children, raising up their voices—who they are, where they came from, and the many different reasons that they had to leave their home countries.
My parents told me we had to leave to stay safe. I was scared.
We left in a hurry. We could hardly bring anything. I could only take what fit in my backpack.
One day there was everyone and the next day there was almost no one. We had to go too.
This book celebrates the resilience, hope, and joy of children and their families who are seeking asylum. Stunning photographs capture children doing everyday things like playing on the playground, going to school, and meeting new friends alongside their stories of having to leave to their home countries in order to stay safe. The authors transcribed and photographed children from around the world to share their experiences on moving to a new place under extremely difficult circumstances as a way to raise up their voices and humanize people seeking asylum.
Countries include Afghanistan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Bosnia, Tibet, Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Mexico, Syria, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Ukraine. The authors have included backmatter with further information for kids, parents, and educators.
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School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2--A timely and poignant book that addresses the issue of children seeking a safe and welcoming home. Through a collection of original photographs, Agna and Rotner shed light on the experiences of children from diverse cultural backgrounds (although there is not much about the countries or cultures they come from) who have embarked on journeys in search of safety and belonging in a new place. The book's use of speech bubbles in the images makes it feel as though the children in the photographs are directly communicating with readers. This approach adds a personal touch to the stories, allowing readers to empathize with the challenges these children face. A brief book, with limited text outside the speech bubbles, its target audience would be younger readers; however, they may require adult guidance to fully grasp the complexities of asylum-seeking and migrant challenges in a new country. A glossary, an author's note, and more resources makes this a good candidate for classroom use, making it an informative and inclusive resource. VERDICT This short but age-relevant book is a nice introduction for anyone with questions about what they are hearing in the news.--Erin Olsen
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Geared toward younger readers, illustrated with expressive color photos, and written in accessible prose, this highlights various facets of immigration and its impact from kids' perspectives... A varied range of experiences and people are showcased, including such challenges of being in a new place as learning a different language and making friends, but so are commonalities—the meaningfulness of being with family, finding connection and community, and having stable, supportive opportunities for education and play. Throughout, abundant photos are both poignant and uplifting... [T]his thought-provoking, affecting volume aims to foster understanding and "hope for a world where everyone is welcome." — Booklist
A timely and poignant book that addresses the issue of children seeking a safe and welcoming home...A glossary, an author's note, and more resources makes this a good candidate for classroom use, making it an informative and inclusive resource. This short but age-relevant book is a nice introduction for anyone with questions about what they are hearing in the news. — School Library Journal
"A beautiful book which reminds us that those that seek sanctuary are beautiful humans." — Grace Lin
JNF038000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | People & Places | General
JNF041000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Photography
JNF019000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Family | General
JNF069000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Diversity & Multicultural
JNF070000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Inspirational & Personal Growth
