"I finally arrive in Istanbul. I'm very stiff
after spending more than thirty hours huddled
in the back of the truck.
The smuggler brings me to a hotel.
"Don't move until I come back."
I open the door to my room. I'm terrified.
There are cockroaches everywhere!
The toilet is disgusting, and drunk men
are shouting at each other in the hallway.
I'm truly alone. The realization hits me
like a slap in the face."
How does one find the courage to leave home unaccompanied, to seek asylum in an unknown country where there is hope for a better life? Their reasons for leaving are understandable, their ability to find the courage to do what is being asked is almost unbelievable.
Here we meet but three - Alain, Patricia, and Afshin - of the more than 400 refugee children who arrive in Canada every year. They are alone, without any family members. Paul Tom, whose work is translated by Arielle Aaronson, speaks to the truth of their circumstances, offering honesty, heartbreak, and hope for the three children whose stories he tells.
Alain is first. He and his brothers are waiting to hear from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Alain is only 13. Their mother had died and they are on their own in Nairobi hoping that someone will step forward to help them. Patricia is 16, and entering Canada at the Roxham Road border crossing. She is fearful over what is to happen next. As she gets further away from all she has ever known, she has no idea what the future holds. Afshin is 13 and very excited about this new adventure. Finally, he has escaped the terror of the war in his Iranian home. It doesn't take long for him to realize he is alone, with no idea what he is to do next.
“Imagine that you’re going away.
Far, far away. And neither of your
parents will come with you.”
Readers feel immediate compassion for the plight of these young people. Their first-person narrations make their stories immediate and compelling. Young readers cannot help but try to put themselves in the place of those traveling alone, knowing no one and with no idea what is to happen to them. Their stories are so real, and offer some small comfort upon arrival.
"There is a place for them here."
Digital artwork using black backgrounds with a palette of reds and greens bring their stories into the light. Those colors represent the flags of their three countries - Burundi, Uganda and Iran.
Photos of Afshin, Alain and Patricia are included with a short summary of their life since their arrival.
A glossary concludes.
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