In this month's RTÉjr Book Club, Ruth Concannon brings you a selection of books from the Children's Books Ireland Reading Together with Refugees guide.
Reading allows us to dive into different worlds, learn about new perspectives and show compassion for others, this can be particularly true when it comes to understanding the challenges facing refugees in our modern world.
A refugee is an ordinary person whose life has been changed forever by circumstances outside of their control, often by war or due to political circumstances. They may be someone who has had to leave their family and friends behind, searching for hope and safety away from their home country.
Refugees are people who, when given the opportunity, can thrive and contribute to their communities. Ireland is a country with a long history of forced migration due to famine, war and economic circumstances, millions of diaspora claim Irish ancestry around the globe; we are a country that can empathise with the difficulties refugees face.
Ireland is also the land of 'céad mile fáilte,' a hundred thousand welcomes for those who are new to our communities, for those in need of help and for those who could simply use a kind word or two. There may be some refugees living in your community right now, who could benefit from some practical help, empathy, or simply a welcoming 'hello.'
Everyone benefits from compassion and so to mark Refugee Week 2024 from the 17 to 23 June Children's Books Ireland and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, have partnered with libraries and bookshops across the country to encourage young people to buy or borrow a book about refugees. Below is a selection of some of our favourite stories to promote empathy with refugees during Refugee Week, you can download the entire Reading Together with Refugees guide for free at www.childrensbooksireland.ie.
Hello! A Counting Book of Kindness by Hollis Kurman, illustrated by Barroux, Otter-Barry Books, 32pp ISBN9781913074234
A beautiful story about a mother and her three children who are forced to flee from a war-torn country. Along the way, they are met with many people on their journey who show them great kindness, such as providing them with food and shelter, education for the children and friendship. This story speaks to the importance of empathy and generosity towards refugees. The central meaning is clear: we are all part of the same global community with a responsibility to help each other in times of need. (Age 2–4)
The Dandelion's Tale by Margaret Anne Suggs, Graffeg, 36pp ISBN 9781802587050
The dandelions are living peacefully in the meadow amongst the other flora and fauna until one day they are forced to uproot. As men arrive with tools and poison, the message is clear – the dandelions are not welcome. Pushed out of their home, the dandelions find themselves travelling on the breeze across many different terrains in search of safety and security. The simplicity of this allegorical immigration story is a great way to introduce or begin to explain issues that affect so many in our world today to young readers. (Age 2–4, 5–8)
Muireann agus an Longbhriseadh le Malachy Doyle, aistrithe ag Máire Zepf, maisithe ag Andrew Whitson, An tSnáthaid Mhór, 36pp ISBN 9781912929221
Seo an cúigiú leabhar le Muireann agus an uair seo tá sí ar thóir páistí eile leis an scoil áitiúil a choimeád ar oscailt. Nuair a fheiceann sí bád i ndroch-chaoi, cuireann sí fáilte rompu siúd atá ar bord. Scéal álainn faoi fháilte a chur roimh imircigh agus faoin mbealach ar féidir leo cabhrú le bánú na tuaithe a laghdú. Tá léaráidí iontacha tríd an leabhar, ó na híomhánna den bhaile ag éirí agus luí na gréine chuig na patrúin ildaite ar éadaí na gcarachtar. (Aois 5–8)
April's Garden by Isla McGuckin, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri, Graffeg, 36pp ISBN 9781802583410
April and her mamma have found themselves living in a new house – a safe haven but not a home. April struggles in her new living circumstances and as mamma saves their pennies for a new place of their own, the reader can appreciate the struggles that too many encounter as they are forced leave their homes, become displaced or experience homelessness. Though it portrays a difficult situation, this is ultimately, a story of hope and resilience. The symbol of planting and growth and the time it takes for a little seedling to sprout, is a wonderful metaphor for hope. (Age 5–8)
Civil Rights Stories: Refugees and Homelands by Louise Spilsbury, illustrated by Toby Newsome, Franklin Watts, 32pp ISBN 9781445171425
Beginning with the sobering fact that every minute, around twenty-five people are forced to flee their homeland to escape war, violence or other threats, this illustrated non-fiction book examines how the treatment of refugees has evolved from the ancient Greeks to the modern day. Focusing on both the challenges and the achievements of refugees and those who have fought to improve the rights of refugees, this is a great introduction for younger readers seeking to broaden their understanding of the plight of refugee people. (Non-fiction, Age 5–8, 9–11)
Mayowa and the Sea of Words by Chibundu Onuzo, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 304pp ISBN 9781526660992
Mayowa discovers a family secret: she is a logosalter. By jumping barefoot on books, she can release emotions stored in stories and radiate them to people around her. Determined to use her new-found power to save the lives of refugees, Mayowa soon discovers someone is intent on stopping her from standing up for what is right. An impressive first installment, Onuzo demonstrates the importance of children’s voices in political spaces and provides a timely commentary on anti-refugee legislation in a way that is accessible to children. (Age 9–11)
Ruth Concannon is the Publications Officer for Children's Books Ireland, the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child’s right to develop a love of reading. Their mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people in Ireland, to share their expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence them, to champion every child’s right to excellent books and live literature events and support the artists who make that goal possible across the island of Ireland.
See www.childrensbooksireland.ie for more.
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