A growing list of books to build compassion and emathy for the refugee experience.

Open your hearts to the refugee experience.

With so many news stories about immigration making headlines, your children may be asking questions about the families and children facing these difficult situations.

It can be hard to know what to say.

While it's important to protect our kids from traumatizing images and information, we can approach our children’s questions in a way that encourages empathy for those who are struggling. These children's books will help you build understanding and encourage compassion.

Don’t forget to check out our collection of chapter books about immigrants and refugees for even more stories to broaden your perspective.

Conversation Starters

What would it be like to be forced to leave home suddenly? What would you pack if you had just a little time? What would you miss?
What could help make a refugee feel more comfortable and less scared in their new home?
With older children, explain what "refugee" means -- someone who is forced to flee their home because they fear they will lose their lives or freedom if they stay.
Together, imagine arriving in a new country without knowing the language or customs. Help your child "walk in the shoes" of a refugee child by asking:
- What would it be like to have to leave home suddenly?
- What would you pack if you had just a little time? (Many refugees leave their homes with little warning and cannot even bring basic necessities.)
- What would you miss?
- How would you feel?
- What could help make a refugee feel more comfortable and less scared in their new home?
Always reassure children that they are safe, and focus on positive ways to make a difference rather than on despair.

Featured Title

Light for All by Margarita Engle
Simple but powerful text and illustrations introduce children to the concept of immigration and the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty. Ages 5 - 10.

More DGT Favorites

A Different Pond by Bao Phi
This beautiful story illuminates the struggle working class immigrants face while trying to make ends meet for their families. The fishing trip at the heart of this story is described in beautiful detail, both the universally recognizable moments of childhood, like grimacing at the slimy feeling of your freshly caught fish, and the unique worries and triumphs of this father and his son.

Part of a growing list of books about the refugee experience.

Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan by Mary Williams
Based on true events, this touching tale follows orphaned boys walking from their war-ravaged village to a refugee camp. Ages 7 and up.

Calling the Water Drum by LaTisha Redding
After losing his parents in a tragic attempt to reach the United States from Haiti, Henri has retreated within himself. His uncle and a neighbor help Henri connect with his past by connecting to the beat of his own drum.

The Color of Home by Mary Hoffman
The story of a recent immigrant from Somalia and his first day in an American school. The amazing watercolors help tell of this little boy's fears and hopes. Ages 4 and up.

Dia’s Story Cloth: The Hmong People’s Journey of Freedom by Dia Cha
The story cloth, Southeast Asian folk art, provides a beautiful backdrop for this sweet story. Ages 6 to 11.

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
The author shares her own immigration story in this beautifully illustrated book. Gently told and lyrical, this story focuses on the intangible things immigrants carry with them, hope and strength, resilience, and powerful stories.

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams
Two girls in a Pakistani refugee camp decide to share a pair of sandals given to them by a relief worker. A simple story of friendship. Ages 6 and up.

Global Conflict (Children in Our World) by Louise Spilsbury ad Hanane Kai
When international conflicts saturate the headlines, children may have complicated questions. This well-crafted book is designed to help you answer questions about global conflict in a straightforward way.

Hear My Voice: The Testimonies of Children Detained at the Southern Border of the United States compiled by Warren Binford for Project Amplify
This is not an easy book to read, but it is richly drawn by many contributing illustrators and gives voice to real children living through an experience that we all should be working to change. Reflection tools at the back of the book will help readers ages 8 and up and their families reflect and take action.

How many days to America? A Thanksgiving Story by Eve Bunting
A family is forced to flee their Caribbean island and set sail for America in a small fishing boat. They arrive on Thanksgiving Day, having experienced fears and hardships very similar to those faced by those who celebrated the first Thanksgiving. This is a very moving story sure to open a conversation about compassion and courage. Ages 4 to 7.

Joseph's Big Ride by Terry Farish
Follow Joseph, a new refugee, on his mission to learn to ride a bike. Ages 4 to 7.

Part of a creative list of picture books about refugees.

The Journey by Francesca Sanna
Explore the impossible decisions people must make when leaving their homes behind. Ages 3-7.

Leaving Vietnam: The Journey of Tuan Ngo, a Boat Boy by Sarah S. Kilborne
Join Tuan Ngo and his father as they escape Vietnam by boat, spend time in a refugee camp and ultimately arrive in the United States. Ages 6 and up.

Part of a growing list of books about refugee.

Mama’s Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation by Edwidge Danticat
Mama records bedtime stories for Saya to help her cope while Mama is in an immigration detention center. Ages 5 and up.

Me + Tree by Alexandria Giardina and Anna & Elna Balbusso
A lonely girl finds comfort in a stump. She knows it has a story to tell and shares her story of being forced from her home. An inspiring story of hope and connection with nature.

My Diary from Here to There by Amada Irma Perez
Join author Amada Irma Perez as she journals about her experience leaving Mexico with her family to live in the United States. Children will be able to put themselves in her shoes as she wonders what awaits her.

My Name is Sangoel by Karen Williams
Join this Sudanese refugee on as he attempts to find belonging in the new, noisy world of the United States. Ages 6 to 10.

My Two Border Towns by David Bowles Illustrated by Erika Meza
This story follows a boy and his father, living at the Southern U.S. border who travel across the border to a town that he feels mirrors his hometown. The dad and son’s kindness awakens an appreciation for the humanity of those waiting at the border.

Part of a growing list of books about refugees.

Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Tanya Simon
Set in 1938, Oskar is a Jewish immigrant new to the U.S. Follow him as he walks through New York City experiencing small acts of kindness, making him feel welcome in his new home. Ages 4 to 8.

Stepping stones. A Refugee Family's Journey by Margaret Ruurs
This story about the Syrian refugee crisis began when Rurrs, a Canadian children's author, encountered the breathtaking stone art of Syrian artist Nizar Bdr. This dual language book is warm and beautiful in spite of its harsh subject matter. Ages 4 and up.

Teacup by Rebecca Young
The beautiful allegory is sure to become a family treasure, and it will speak to the difficult journeys that we all must face. Ages 4 to 8.

The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey by Louise Borden
This remarkable story is perfect for literature buffs of any age. Ages 7 and up.

The Lotus Seed by Sherry Garland
A simple but eloquent story of a young Vietnamese girl who brings a lotus seed with her to America as a way to remember her homeland. Ages 6-9.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Watercress by Andrea Wang
This beautiful new book will encourage conversation about the long-term impacts hunger and poverty can leave on a family. Kids will recognize the narrator’s embarrassment when her parents stop along the road and insist the whole family help gather watercress. When she discovers the significance of watercress to her parents’ personal stories and their Chinese heritage, readers will join her in wanting to build new memories out of the old.