Refugee Week

Monday 15th June marks the beginning of Refugee Week, an opportunity to celebrate the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees. Held annually in the UK, Refugee Week promotes understanding of why people seek sanctuary, and brings about positive encounters between communities, helping them to connect and learn from each other, and promoting a culture of welcome.
Refugee Week 2020 takes place 15th – 21st June. You can find out more about the event and download classroom resources for Refugee Week here: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/
We have some brilliant books for primary and secondary school readers that explore refugee experiences and downloadable resources that are ideal for starting up discussion in class.
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf
Told with heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class is a child’s perspective on the refugee crisis, highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense.
Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award 2019 and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2019.
Suitable for Key Stage 2 readers
Download The Boy at the Back of the Class resources
Discover The Day We Met The Queen, a story for World Book Day 2020
Find resources for Onjali’s other publishing, The Star Outside my Window
The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon
This is a beautiful, vivid and deeply moving story about a refugee boy who has spent his entire life living in a detention centre. This novel reminds us all of the importance of freedom, hope, and the power of a story to speak for anyone who’s ever struggled to find a safe home.
Suitable for Key Stage 3 readers
Download The Bone Sparrow teacher resources.
Watch Zana Fraillon’s videos on The Bone Sparrow.
Children in Our World: Refugees and Migrants by Ceri Roberts
A beautifully illustrated picture book that sensitively explains larger issues and crises that dominate the news in an appropriate manner for children.
Suitable for Key Stage 1 readers
Wisp by Zana Fraillon
A refugee picture book of extraordinary power and beauty from the Amnesty CILIP Honour-winning author of The Bone Sparrow, Zana Fraillon, and Kate Greenaway Medal-winning illustrator Grahame Baker Smith.
Suitable for Key Stage 1 readers
Illegal by Eoin Colfer
This is a powerful and timely story about one boy’s epic journey across Africa to Europe, a graphic novel for all children with glorious colour artwork throughout. From Eoin Colfer, previously Irish Children’s Laureate, and the team behind his bestselling Artemis Fowl graphic novels.
Suitable for Key Stage 2 readers
When Secrets Set Sail by Sita Brahmachari
Secrets from the past are the keys to the future…if two children can find them. Bold adventure, timely themes and breath-taking writing from award-winning author, Sita Brahmachari.
Suitable for Key Stage 2 readers
Who are Refugees and Migrants? What Makes People Leave their Homes? And Other Big Questions by Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young
A highly topical look at the current refugee crisis, encouraging readers to think for themselves about the issues involved.
Suitable for Key Stage 2 readers
Far From Home by Cath Senker
A sensitive and accessible account of the refugee crisis facing millions around the world.
Suitable for Key Stage 3 readers
The Survival Game by Nicky Singer
In a world full of checkpoints and controls, can love and hope defy the borders? A searing, timely story, as arresting as it is beautiful.
Suitable for Key Stage 3 readers
Forced to Flee by UNHCR
Refugee children explain in their own words and pictures their thoughts, feelings and experiences about having to flee from their home countries. Produced in association with UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and with a foreword from Cate Blanchett, Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR.
Suitable for Key Stage 3 readers