What Is a Refugee

This bright and colorful picture book opens up young students' mind’s to the term “refugee”. Using descriptive illustrations, Elise Gravel tells the story of what a refugee is and what makes someone a refugee, explaining the multiple possibilities of why someone must flee their country and become a refugee. Gravel illustrates, as well as describes, the emotions of refugees and the sadness of refugees leaving their families. This story teaches children what refugee families have had to endure because of the violence that exists in countries. Gravel connects the text back to the fact that refugees are people, just like us. They want to be with their families and friends and go to school, and work and not fear for their safety. This story highlights the stories of refugees and allows readers to introduce themselves with the idea.

What Is a Refugee in the Classroom

The explanation of what a refugee is could be relatable to come CLD students, for other students it can open their minds to what a refugee is and what they’ve been through. This book is illustrated in an inclusive way that highlights faces from all over the world.

This text would be appropriate for kindergarten to second-grade readers. The sentences are short and easy to decipher, especially with the descriptive illustrations.

Because this story sets out to determine what a refugee is and their story, little background knowledge would be necessary. There does need to be a conversation after reading the story so students can unpack what they have just learned.

Additional Resources

The UN Refugee Agency - Teaching about Refugees

https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/teaching-about-refugees.html