Review by Booklist Review
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. Brief text introduces a topic ("Kids from all over the world have to leave their homes and countries"), offers explanations (such as natural disasters or war), and then personalizes the subject with photos and quotes from the children in speech bubbles ("My parents told me we had to leave to stay safe. I was scared"). 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. Along with extensive appended material, such as ideas for helping newcomers feel welcome and ways adults can provide assistance, this thought-provoking, affecting volume aims to foster understanding and "hope for a world where everyone is welcome." Authors' notes, further resources, and a glossary are also appended.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Brief quotes from displaced children speak to experiences of seeking asylum in this photojournalistic work by previous collaborators Agna and Rotner. Unembellished text opens: "Kids from all over the world have to leave their homes and countries. They have to escape--fleeing fires, floods, drought, or war--because it's not safe for them to stay anymore." Alongside the prose, speech balloons give voice to individual children, of various ages and skin tones, shown in photographed portraits: "One day there was everyone, and the next day there was almost no one. We had to go too." As the pages turn, running text reflects ideals ("Families belong together.... All kids need a safe place to learn... explore... play") emphasized by the children's quotes ("Here we have recess. Yes!") and reflected in images of kids taking part in everyday activities. More on some children's individual journeys concludes, along with "ways to help" for kids, grown-ups, and educators. Ages 4--8. (Jan.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
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
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
There are many reasons why people seek sanctuary. Some families are uprooted because of war or economic hardship. This book addresses these situations and also alerts readers to the growing number of families who need sanctuary because of environmental or climate changes. The text sets up the premise that many people have "to escape -- fleeing fires, floods, drought, or war -- because it's not safe for them to stay anymore." Stunning photographs of individual children, intergenerational relatives, and friends immediately catch the eye with bright colors, varied moods, and engaged expressions, presenting a truly global and inclusive representation of childhood and family. The photos are punctuated by quotes from the children (set in speech bubbles) about why they left their homes and about their experiences acclimating to their new lives. The book touches on the experience of leaving home amidst an emergency, arduous travel with many temporary stops before finding a safer home, and cultural and language barriers, as well as new friendships, an appreciation for the traditions of home, and the discovery of new interests such as art, athletics, or music. Appended with resources for parents, caregivers, educators, and children, this accessible volume is an affirmation of survival and a resource for helping others. Julie Hakim AzzamJanuary/February 2024 p.106 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Young refugees open up. Combining photographs with informational text and quotes from the children depicted, this book sheds light on the conditions under which kids migrate far from home, including "fleeing fires, floods, drought, or war." The featured children are racially diverse, with a range of skin tones, hair textures, and styles of dress. In one photograph, an Asian-presenting child sits on a couch, mouth slightly open; a word bubble reads, "My parents told me we had to leave to be safe. I was scared." Straightforward narration alternates between the tough realities of immigration ("Most people had to travel a long time--months, even years, moving from place to place before finally finding a new home") and more uplifting messaging ("Let's hope for a world where everyone is welcome"). The book is clearly aimed at non-refugees--backmatter includes suggestions on "how to help someone new" and asks readers to "imagine what it would feel like to move to a new country." The photos are bright and eye-catching, though somewhat stiff and staged-looking. While those new to the topic will gain some insight, refugee children will likely feel that this work is about them--but not for them. A window into the refugee experience--though not a mirror. (authors' notes, additional resources, glossary) (Informational picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
