Such an important event in the world at the moment, the plight of refugees is sometimes forgotten because it is, sadly, so common. However we should, for this week at least give it some thought and what better way to that - whilst introducing it to children in school, at home, in public libraries - than through books?
Published this week by Frances Lincoln is Azzi In Between by Sarah Garland.
Azzi is a young girl, who with her family, is in danger. He and her parents are forced to leave the home that they know and love, fleeing to another country where the language and the people are foreign. It is with courage and resourcefulness that Azzi copes with the move and the dramatic changes wrought in her life. She is young, perhaps it is is easier to cope when you are young, easier to adapt perhaps. Yet no matter how settled Azzi becomes she is constantly troubled by those left behind, in particular her grandmother.
The situation that Azzi and her family find themselves in is far from unusual but it may be shocking to the children reading this book. Luckily Sarah Garland is an experienced author and illustrator using her skills to treat the subject with sensitivity.
This is a book not only for those children who will, hopefully, never find themselves made refugees but it is also for the refugees. It is a message of hope, it is sensitive, it is positive, it is beautiful. If you feel moved by the plight of refugees then I would urge you to look at this book.
If you want to teach children about the realities of being a refugee then read and share this book. If you want to read a masterful and well written story, read this book.
If you read nothing else this week, read Azzi In Between and think about those who may be less fortunate than you but who always have hope.
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