35 Children’s Books to Read for World Refugee Day

June 20 is World Refugee Day – an opportunity for parents and educators to teach children about the refugee crisis. Talking with children about global issues can be challenging, but one of the best ways to start the conversation is with a good book. Working in conflict-affected areas like Bangladesh, Indonesia and Jordan, Room to Read has seen first-hand how books can build bridges between cultures.  

That’s why we created a child-friendly list of books that shed light on the refugee experience. Ranging from picture books to young adult novels, these stories can help create a more compassionate world of global citizens.  

Get a glimpse of what's inside:

Picture Books: (Ages 4-7) 

Calling the Water Drum 
By LaTisha Redding, illustrated by Aaron Boyd (Lee & Low, 2016) 

My Beautiful Birds 
By Suzanne Del Rizzo (Pajama Press, 2017) 

The Treasure Box
By Margaret Wild, illustrated by Freya Blackwood (Candlewick, 2017)

Refugees and Migrants
By Ceri Roberts and Hanane Kai (Barron's Educational Series, 2017)

A Different Pond
By Bao Phi, illustrated by Thi Bui (Capstone, 2017)

Pablo and Birdy
By Alison McGhee, illustrated by Ana Juan (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (2017)

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