With refugees being really highlighted now, with events unfolding in Europe on a mass scale, here are a couple of books that delve into some of the reasons why people have to escape or leave their country of origin and in Forced to flee, how this impacts on children – as expressed in their artwork. This is not a new issue; it happens around the world and on a daily basis. We are not from here is fictional but based on real life experiences by those who have to run and see America as their best hope for a better, safer life. The other two books are fabulous teenage reads; tissues required for one and enjoy having a laugh with the other. A reminder to come and choose something fabulous to read during the school holidays. Reading is a skill, but like anything else, the more you do it, the better you will become. Books provide food for your mind; far more nourishing than the potato crisps you get from social media 😊

You’ve reached Sam / Dustin Thao

How do you move forward when everything you love is on the line?

Seventeen-year-old Julie has her future all planned out: move out of her small town with her boyfriend Sam, attend college in the city, spend a summer in Japan. But then Sam dies. And everything changes. Desperate to hear his voice one more time, Julie calls Sam’s cellphone just to listen to his voicemail. And Sam picks up the phone.
What would you do if you had a second chance at goodbye?
Filled with a diverse cast of characters, the heartache of first love and loss, and the kind of friends that can get you through anything, plus a touch of magic, You've Reached Sam will make an instant connection with anyone looking for a big emotional romance of a read. – Pan McMillan publishers’ website

Apparently this book is a Tik Tok sensation. Glad to hear it!

Forced to flee / 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, this highly emotive title focuses on three current refugee crises in Syria, South Sudan, and Central America. Aimed at readers age 14+, the book gives background information about how each crisis came about, why families had to flee and what life is like for them now.

Children from refugee camps were asked to draw about their experiences of having to flee their home countries. The children's artwork is incredibly powerful and harrowing, and vividly highlights the impact that conflict, war, and atrocities has on people's lives – Hatchette publishers website

We are not from here / Jenny Torres Sanchez

A Pura Belpré 2021 Young Adult Honor Book
A BookPage Best Book of 2020
A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best of 2020
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2020
A New York Public Library 2020 Top 10 Best Book for Teens

Crossing from Guatemala through Mexico, they follow the route of La Bestia, the perilous train system that might deliver them to a better life – if they are lucky enough to survive the journey. With nothing but the bags on their backs and desperation drumming through their hearts, Pulga, Chico, and Pequena know there is no turning back, despite the unknown that awaits them. And the darkness that seems to follow wherever they go. – Jenny Torres Sanchez website https://jennytorressanchez.com/

Here is a link to more about the notorious La Bestia train ride

La Bestia and the struggle of Central American migrants

When it drops / Alex Dyson

Sixteen-year-old songwriter and aspiring social outcast Caleb Clifford fills his world with music, but – like most things – keeps his songs to himself. That is until his little brother leaks Caleb's most personal track online; a track that's quite obviously about his secret crush. Having his innermost feelings (accompanied by a funky bassline) go viral is not Caleb's idea of a good time. But is this the end of everything, or the start?

A hilarious and touching coming-of-age debut novel from ARIA award-winning triple j host Alex Dyson about family, friends, fame, and the importance of never leaving your computer unattended.

https://www.hardiegrant.com/au/publishing/bookfinder/author/alex-dyson

Research Website to check out: https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/

This is a National Library resource, perfect for finding NZ and Pacifica material from our 19th and 20th Century past. Primary sources folks. There are newspapers, books, letters, diaries, magazines, parliamentary papers, and journals. All items are digitised and available to download.

And you can access the library website here at any time to see what else is new, search for items, reading lists and links to Research and Academic databases.