The Lerner Blog
We’ve gathered an array of immigration-centric fiction and nonfiction, from real-world experiences of teen refugees and Dreamers, reflections on identities rooted in two distinctly different cultures, and a heart-warming picture book about welcoming a refugee family. These books reveal incredible courage and fortitude.
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June 20 is World Refugee Day, observed to acknowledge the right of anyone, anywhere, to seek safety. Below, discover nonfiction books that recount true stories of refugees around the world and discuss refugee rights, along with fiction picks that reflect refugee experiences.
Learn more about World Refugee Day here.
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Debut author Betty G. Yee tells a suspenseful, immersive depiction of a pivotal point in US history in Gold Mountain. In the 1860s, Tam Ling Fan needs money to help her father. Disguised as a boy, she travels from China to America to take a dangerous job as a laborer on the Transcontinental Railroad.
Read on to discover Betty’s inspiration for this YA novel, her favorite memories during her research, and her hopes for young readers. Don’t forget to download the free educator resources!
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Over the next several years, the world can expect to see some drastic changes thanks to the climate crisis. A Hot Mess: How the Climate Crisis Is Changing Our World by journalist Jeff Fleischer takes an informed, approachable look at how our world will likely change as a result of our actions, including suggestions on what we can still do to slow down these unprecedented effects.
November 15th is National Recycling Day and to prepare for this holiday we’ve invited Jeff Fleischer to answer a few questions. Read on to discover Jeff’s research process, the most impactful moments of the writing process, and his hopes for young readers.
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Even in the most difficult circumstances there is joy and love. From the Tops of the Trees is a powerful true story of a young girl who has never known life outside the Ban Vinai Refugee Camp. For Kalia and her cousins, life isn’t always easy, but they still find ways to play, racing with chickens and riding a beloved pet dog. When she asks her father if all of the world is a refugee camp, he climbs with her to the top of a tree so she can see the world beyond the fences that confine them. With sensitive prose and evocative illustrations, this beautiful picture book encourages young readers of all ages and circumstances to believe in their dreams.
Award-winning author Kao Kalia Yang joins us today to discuss her inspiration for this story, the special relationship between fathers and daughters, and much more.
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