Displaced: An Interview with Author Patrick Ochieng
Displaced is a story of everyday courage and unexpected community through the eyes of fourteen-year-old Kim. Post-election violence forces Kim and his family to flee their home in suburban Kenya. While staying in a camp for displaced persons, he struggles to adapt to his new reality. Kim gradually befriends other displaced kids, and they hatch a plan to secure a reliable water supply—along with some hope—for the camp.
Today author Patrick Ochieng joins us to talk about his experience writing this middle grade novel, his favorite lines, and stories that inspire him. Read on to download a free discussion guide and engage kids after turning the last page.
What inspired Displaced?
In early January 2008, I visited a temporary camp for IDPs in western Kenya. It had been set up to accommodate families displaced by the 2007-2008 post-election violence. While in the camp, I couldn’t help but notice the kids. They watched as their parents recounted how they had been attacked and driven from their homes because of their ethnicity and political affiliations. What struck me most was the sphinx-like silence of the watching kids. They just stood aside, starry-eyed, arms pressed to their chests. Their eerie silence stayed with me. What were the stories behind those loud silences? These questions haunted me long after and inspired Displaced.
What is the most surprising thing you discovered while researching or writing the book?
While researching the book I was surprised to discover that there were people who suffered violence and displacement during every election cycle in Kenya—that is, every five years—and that the only reason the 2007-2008 post-election violence received more publicity was because of its scale and magnitude.
What would you say is the most memorable line in Displaced?
I think Achieng’s six-word quip, “Some things are not for sharing,” most epitomizes the struggle by the kids to deal with their traumatic past.
Most memorable character?
Without a doubt, it’s Raju, one of the adults in the camp who takes Kim and his friends under his wing. Reason being, he can be both deep and practical and yet comical at the same time.
What do you hope readers will learn or discover from reading your book?
I want the reader to discover that children’s needs, desires, and experiences can be universal. That even in adversity, lasting bonds of friendship can be achieved, because even with the much-hyped differences of race and ethnicity, children have a lot in common. And most important, that healing can be achieved through forgiveness and service.
What are you currently reading?
I exercise very little fidelity when it comes to my reading. Lol. What I mean is I am always reading multiple books and can switch from one to the other within the same day. And so currently I am reading Out of Darkness by Asley Hope Perez, PET by Akwaeke Emezi, and The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet.
Praise for Displaced
★”Ochieng sheds light on the impact of PTSD, grief, and bigotry through this story conveyed in the compelling voice of a teenage boy. Kim’s courage will speak to readers, and the exploration of the importance of maintaining continuity and pursuing education will resonate. Outstanding.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
“Though a work of fiction, this book will help readers understand the perils of conflict and the struggles of IDPs while still relating to a teen protagonist navigating friendship concerns, crushes, family relationships, and his own mental health . . . the setting is so vividly realized that readers will sink right into the story.”—Booklist
“Readers will be inspired by the children’s courage and perseverance, taking action when adults fail to do so and uniting the camp through the shared need for water. Ideal for a classroom global issues study, this story of Kimathi and his friends serves as a reminder that kids are the same everywhere, but many have comforts and advantages others do not.”—School Library Journal
“Through his protagonist’s point of view, Ochieng offers a memorable reminder of how political conflict affects children.”—Horn Book Magazine
Free Educator Resources
Download the free discussion guide to encourage critical thinking after reading! This guide can also be found on the Lerner website.
Connect with the Author
Patrick Ochieng is a lawyer, novelist and short story writer living in Kenya. In 2010 he was shortlisted for the 2010 Golden Baobab Prize. His books for children include the middle grade novel Playing a Dangerous Game (2021) and Displaced (2025).
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