Staff Picks: Children's Books That Illustrate the Refugee Experience
World Refugee Day is an international day organized every year on June 20th by the United Nations. It is designed to celebrate and honor refugees from around the world. This year in celebration of World Refugee Day our staff has hand-picked children's books that highlight the refugee experience.
Salma the Chef by Danny Ramada book cover shows a little girl wearing a blue polka dot apron and a chef's hat, while holding a big green striped bowl, there are also several hungry looking people behind her.
1. Salma the Syrian Chef
By Danny Ramadan (Annick Press)
Ages 4 to 7 years
This is a beautiful book in a series about the life and experience of refugee and immigrant families.
"We loved reading it and learning about a Syrian family who is apart and how a special recipe can help link Salma’s past and present homes." - Anne-Marie, ±¬ÁÏÿÈÕ´óÈü
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga book cover shows a gorgeous young girl wearing a hijab that depicts a sunset and quiet tree-lined street.
2. Other Words for Home
By Jasmine Warga (Balzer + Bray)
Ages 4 to 7 years
This is the story of a young girl leaving Syria as a refugee, to live with family in Cincinnati, Ohio.
"Written in lyrical form; nicely produced as an audio book as well" - Rahul, ±¬ÁÏÿÈÕ´óÈü
Refugee book cover by Alan Gratz depicts a dramatic scene of little boy alone in a red boat in open waters during a storm.
3. Refugee
By Alan Gratz (Scholastic)
Ages 8 years and up
Three young people from Germany, Cuba, and Syria go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge. All face unimaginable dangers–from drownings to bombings to betrayals. But for each of them, there is always the hope of tomorrow. And although Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by continents and decades, surprising connections will tie their stories together in the end.
"Alan Gratz weaves together the stories of children who need to leave their homes across the globe and across time." - Rahul, ±¬ÁÏÿÈÕ´óÈü
My Name is Not Refugee by Kate Milner book cover features a small child wearing a yellow backpack and orange shoes hugging his mother who has dark long hair.
4. My Name is Not Refugee
By Kate Milner (The Bucket List)
Ages 2 to 6 years
"A beautiful picture book to explain what it is like to be a child who needs to leave home in a simple and straightforward way. Addresses the nightmarish situation but with dignity and hope. While for younger children it could definitely be read with other children to engage in a deeper discussion." - Amanda, ±¬ÁÏÿÈÕ´óÈü
On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman book cover featuring two polar bears dancing in the moonlight.
5. On the Night You Were Born
By Nancy Tillman (Feiwel & Friends)
Ages 0 to 10 years
"This picture book always makes me weep! It's a beautiful story of how the world was forever changed on the night you were born, and how all creatures celebrated. It gives the reader a sense of wonder at just how special and loved they are."
- Katherine, ±¬ÁÏÿÈÕ´óÈü
Updated June 2025