(Compiled 2026)

Young Adult

 

Phoenix Brothers
Sita Brahmachari

After a treacherous journey for survival, 13 year-old Amir must build a new life in England. At his new school, he decides to enter a public speaking competition to help deal with the horrors of his past. Along with Mo, another young unaccompanied refugee, can Amir learn to find his voice and reclaim his story? 

Paperback ISBN 9781382064491 

 

 

Refugee
Alan Gratz

This action-packed novel tackles topics both timely and timeless - courage, survival, and the quest for home. Three kids go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge. And although Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by continents and decades, shocking connections will tie their stories together in the end.

Paperback ISBN: 9781407184326

 

 

The Crossing
Manjeet Mann

Natalie's world has turned upside down. She's lost her mum and her brother is descending further and further into anger and violence with a far-right gang who march the streets of Dover. Sammy has fled his home and family in Eritrea for the chance of a new life in Europe. Every step he takes is a step into the unknown - into a strange country and a hidden future. A twist of fate brings these two teens from opposite sides of the channel together, but will their journey end in hope or despair?

Paperback ISBN 9780241411445 (Published 2021)

 

 

When Stars are Scattered
Victoria Jamieson

Omar and his brother Hassan, two Somali boys, have spent a long time in the Dadaab refugee camp. Separated from their mother, they are looked after by a friendly stranger. Life in the camp isn't always easy. The hunger is constant, but there's football to look forward to - and now there's a chance Omar will get to go to school. With a heart-wrenching fairytale ending, this incredible true story depicts life in a refugee camp. 

Paperback ISBN 9780571363858 (Published 2020)

 

 

My Name is Samim
Fidan Meikle

Thirteen-year-old Afghan refugee Samim has fled to the UK. But to gain asylum he must tell his story. Here is a moving, wry debut novel about courage, resilience and friendship from a vital new voice in children's fiction. 

Paperback ISBN: 9781782509301

 

 

I am Ray's Imaginary Friend
Brian Moses

Ray loves life in his village until one day he hears his parents talking about moving away. Traumatised by the idea, Ray invents an imaginary friend to talk to and even runs away. Eventually Ray is able to accept the move, and also the refugee mother and child who come to live with his family in the new house.

Paperback ISBN 9781836300342

 

Picture Books

 

Noah's New Home
Zeshan Akhter

In a tale of home and healing, Noah's family have taken a journey no one should have to make. They arrive in a different country as refugees. While settling into their new house, Noah misses his Baba, Jida and their old home. When a fireworks display brings back both happy memories and difficult moments of their journey and arrival, his family and their new community support him in facing his fears and feeling hopeful for the future.

Paperback ISBN: 9781787419360

 

 

Refugee
Hein de Haas

A graphic novel edition for a younger audience of this modern classic. It tackles big topics - courage, survival, and the quest for home. Three kids go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge. And although Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by continents and decades, shocking connections will tie their stories together in the end. 

Papaerback ISBN: 9780702344589

 

 

Paloma Flies Away
Maria J Guarda

Paloma's home has changed. The dictator who took over the country has stripped its people of their freedoms, and it's no longer OK to think for yourself. So, like birds, Paloma and her parents fly away in search of a new home, without a chance to pack or say goodbye. The new country is different and generous, and their arrival is a big adventure. Though things are unfamiliar and Paloma misses the country she left, her new friends are soon like family, and she feels right at home. Then she grows older, and more changes come, and Paloma and family are flying away again, to a country she can barely remember. With a simple narration and stunning illustrations, Maria J. Guarda brings us a tender story about home, family, and identity during times of immeasurable change. 

Paperback ISBN: 9781529538458

 

 

The Girl at the Front of the Class
Onjali Rauf

There's a new girl in my class. She has eyes as wide and as golden as a tiger's, a face as pale as a glass of milk, and hair as shiny as a mirror. I'd like to be her friend. But she never wants to play with me in the playground or makes sandcastles in the sandpit. The cleverest people I know say that the new girl is sad because she had to leave her home, her family, her school, her toys, her books and all her friends too. But I've got a plan! There's something I can do to make her feel better when she's missing everything she's left behind.

Paperback ISBN: 9781526364661

 

Children's Non Fiction

 

The Power of Welcome
Marie Bamyani

A powerful graphic novel exploring the struggle for survival of displaced people. 

Paperback ISBN 9780702319167 

 

 

Questions and Answers About Refugees
Katie Daynes

With simple, direct questions, thoughtful, compassionate answers and illustrations by the Ukrainian artist Oksana Drachkovska, this book explores what it really means to be a refugee. Written with advice from the Refugee Council and drawing on conversations with refugees and aid workers from around the world, the questions cover all stages of a refugee’s journey. 

Hardback ISBN: 9781803709987

 

 

What is a Refugee?
Elsie Gravel

This accessible picture book examines the term 'refugee' in bold, graphic illustrations and spare text. Who are refugees? Why are they called that word? Why do they need to leave their country? Why are they sometimes not welcome in their new country? In this relevant picture book for the youngest children, author-illustrator Elise Gravel explores what it means to be a refugee.

Paperback ISBN 9780241423233

 

 

Refugees and Migrants
Ceri Roberts

Each title in this series helps children make sense of the larger issues and crises that dominate the news, in a sensitive and appropriate manner. With relatable comparisons, carefully researched text and striking illustrations, children can begin to understand who refugees and migrants are, why they've left their homes, where they live and what readers can do to help those in need. Where issues aren't appropriate to describe in words, Hanane Kai's sensitive illustrations help children visualise who refugees and migrants are, in images that are suited to their age.   

Paperback ISBN 9781526300218

 

 

Refugees and Homelands
Louise Spilsbury

Refugee movements through history are explored chronologically. Short blocks of text explain the reasons why people fled their homelands, and the ways they were treated when they arrived in new lands. It looks at historical examples, such as the Huguenots and World War refugees along with modern crises, such as Syria, refugee camps in Africa and those fleeing violence in South and Central America. Prominent civil rights campaigners and figures are featured, and a timeline helps readers to see at a glance how the fight for refugee rights has evolved over time. 

Paperback ISBN: 9781445171425