preferred to stay in their own
country with their friends and
family.
But it was too dangerous. Also,
often, their homes were destroyed
and they didn't have anything
left.
Refugees had to find another
country to live in ... "
The first line in Elise Gravel's straightforward description of refugees is a universal truth:
"A refugee is a person,
just like you and me."
That is the most important thing of all. But for some very different circumstances, any of us could find ourselves a refugee. There are different reasons that lead to people leaving their own countries to live elsewhere. The faces of the people on that first spread may not look the same, but they are ... they are all refugees from their country of origin.
Reasons are listed for their departures, and their varied journeys to find safety and shelter are explained. The cartoon like drawings prevent the book from feeling too ominous, while letting young readers see just what happens when bad things occur. It also helps them understand that the results of leaving often mean finding a new life with friends, work, and feelings of gratitude and peace.
Back matter includes quotes from children the author met while writing her book. She then introduces a number of famous refugees with a short biographical paragragh and a visual representation.
"Bob Marley, the reggae superstar, had
to flee his beloved Jamaica when people who
didn't like his political ideas tried to kill him
in 1976. He recovered in the Bahamas and
then moved to England, where he recorded
more reggae hits."
Important for introducing the subject, in hopes it will lead to further questions and raised awaeness for the plight of so many.
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