With simple text and vivid, cartoon-like illustrations suitable for young children, author and illustrator Elise Gravel answers the question, āWhat is a refugee?ā Foundational to her answer is the belief that āa refugee is a person, just like you and me.ā
In brief sentences, Gravel explains that refugees flee their countries to escape danger, war, political opposition, and religious persecution. She makes it clear that, if it were possible, most refugees would rather stay in their own countries near the people and places they love and are familiar with.
Gravel points out that, once refugees have fled, they continue to face obstacles - sometimes itās hard to find another country to live in because some nations donāt welcome refugees. For those forced to live in refugee camps, life is difficult.
Gravelās easy-to-understand, age-sensitive of refugeesā lives concludes with quotes from refugee children she met while writing her book and brief portraits of famous people who were refugees. School teachers, parents, and childrenās church leaders might find this a useful, informative resource that could lead to a conversation about welcoming strangers in Jesusā name. (Schwartz & Wade)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.