Refugees and Migrants

Roberts, Ceri, and Hanane Kai. New York: Barron’s Educational Series Publishing, 2017.

This nonfiction book introduces the concept of refugees and migrants to young readers. It touches upon many subjects, such as: refugee children who are alone in foreign countries having been separated from their families; life in refugee camps; people who help refugees; and the difficulty in seeking asylum.

More broadly, the narrative also helps to build young readers’ learning by making them aware that not all people their age have equal opportunities in life. It discusses disparities children face in different places, and reveals how many basic commodities are missing in many of the refugees’ and migrants’ lives.

My Dream Playground

Kate Becker and Jed Henry. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2013.

This picture book, based on a true story, is told from the perspective of a young girl who makes drawings of her dream playground. One day, she learns that a real playground will be built in the location she had imagined hers and she gets to participate in the project as a young project manager. This story emphasizes the value of children’s imagination and the potential contribution they could make to improve the environment around them. It also provides inspiring insight into the process of architectural design and construction through a child’s perspective and provides vibrant introduction of the field to the young audience.