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TRANSCRIPT
Montmorency Asylum Seekers Support Group
Newsletter of MASSG December 2018
Thinking Giving A special Christmas Newsletter
Do you want to give a child in your life a book for Christmas Well what about a book that will not only en-gage children as readers foster a love of books and reading but also help them understand what it is like to be a refugee or asylum seeker develop empathy and compassion for others foster kindness respect and understanding provide food for thought initiate and stimulate discussion Here are three pages of suggestions for books that might make the perfect gift with links to more detail To help you wersquove sourced reviews of each book Click on each picture for a review For more ideas Publishers Weekly Refugee Council Penguin Books Colours of Us All about Multi-cultural Childrenrsquos Books
PICTURE BOOKS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
My Name is not Refugee by Kate Milner Video of reading here
A young boy describes how his mother explained to him that they have to leave their town say goodbye to friends and loved ones and travel a long way to a new place She explains that while the journey will sad and difficult at times he will see new and interesting things
Room on Our Rock by Terri Rose Baynton
Faced with others who need shelter on their rock seals have to decide if they can share their home Itrsquos a lovely story about sharing and compassion with a subtle messagemdash two ways of reading tell of rejection and welcome Video here of reading forward and backwards
Irsquom Australian Too by Mem Fox
This book celebrates Australiarsquos incredible multicultural heritage and how people have come from many places for many reasons to make Australia their home Video reading here
Wisp by Zana Fraillon Graham Baker-Smith Illustrated interview here
Idris is a child refugee born into a world of tents and fences He has known no other life than this and has no memories of a world outside the camp When the Wisp arrives everyone who holds it has their memories reawakened What will happen when Idris who has no memories holds the Wisp
Malalarsquos Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai (Read here how she takes her story to kids)
Autobiographical story for young readers by the worldrsquos youngest Nobel Laureate Malala dreams of having a magic pencil she could use to change the world around her Failing to find it she realizes that itrsquos up to her to change the world Video here of Malala on her book
The Journey by Francesca Sanna (Detailed review here Author talk here)
A wonderful story for those who are welcoming refugees into their community inspired by the authorrsquos interviews with migrants from around the world Video here
To all our members and readers and to all those we work to help we wish health and happiness in a new and a better new year
All of these books are available from Eltham Bookshop 970 Main Road Eltham and for every book you buy there from this list the Bookshop will donate a book for MASSG to gift
to a refugee family Just remember to say the word lsquoMASSGrsquo
Mirror by Jeannie Baker Discussion with video here
This wordless book depicts a day in the lives of two families ndash one from Sydney and the other from a village in Morocco While their worlds are vastly different the reader is led to see that the families are essentially the same in that they care for each other they need to belong to be part of a community and to be loved by their loved ones
Flight by Nadia Wheatley (read an interview here with the author View as itrsquos read by kids )
Set in Biblical times the story tells about a family who set off across the desert to escape persecution The family faces extreme difficulties until they reach a refugee camp where
they can wait for asylum in another country
Teacup by Rebecca Young illustrated Matt Oxley
This is a beautiful picture book in which a boy in a rowboat searches for a new home despite many obstacles along the way Its images inspired a 40 minute chamber music piece listen with children on Youtube to the whalesrsquo song here
Stepping Stones A Refugee Familyrsquos Journey by Margriet Ruurs trans Falah Raheem
Inspired and illustrated by the stunning stone artwork of a Syrian artist this bilingual book tells of love of country and of a refugee familyrsquos trek through Europe Hear the au-thorrsquos story and view images of the artwork on the video here
The Treasure Box by Margaret Wild and Freya Blackwood Video of reading here
As war rages around them Peter and his father alongside so many refugees flee their home taking with them a treasure box that holds something rarer than rubies and more precious than gold A moving and ultimately hopeful look at what we hold most dear mdash and carry with us mdash when we are forced to flee our homes because of war
Refugees and Migrants by Ceri Roberts and Hanane Kai
This nonfiction picture book answers common questions about refugees and their experi-ences What does it mean to be a refugeemdashor a migrant Why would people leave their homes It answers kids questions offers reassurance and empowers them with ways they can help those affected Where issues are not appropriate to describe in words the illustra-tions help children visualize the people impacted by poverty hunger war and racism
Lost And Found Cat by Doug Kuntz amp Amy Shrodes
Yes itrsquos a true story about a cat who was separated from his family as they fled worn torn Iraq It describes the amazing way he returned home to his family via local aid workers and volunteers (the authors were there) Not just one for cat-lovers this book brings the refugee experience very close View the video on this review
My Beautiful Birds by Suzanne Del Rizzo
Behind Sami the Syrian skyline is full of smoke The boy follows his family and his neighbours in a long line as they trudge through the sands and hills to escape the bombs that have de-stroyed their homes But all Sami can think of is his pet pigeonsmdashwill they escape too It is a gentle and moving story about Syrian refugees Video trailer here
Newsletter of MASSG December 2018 p2
To help you make a choice wersquove found details about each book and linked to reviews and videos Click on the picture for a review follow the links to videos or extended discussions If you have a paper copy of this newsletter and you want it with those live links go to our
Newsletters page httpsmassgblogwordpresscomnews-resources
Newsletter of MASSG December 2018 p3
PICTURE BOOKS NOVELS AND NONFICTION FOR OLDER CHILDREN
Refuge Many Dreams One Land by Jackie French
A boat carrying asylum seekers forced to flee their once peaceful village is sunk by a freak wave Faris survives to find himself on an Australian beach where he meets a group of young people from different times and places who are also seeking refuge Review here
Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman
A young Afghani boy his sister and parents have to flee their country and make their way to Australia on a leaky boat full of desperate people and with little food and water
Girl Underground by Morris Gleitzman
An Australian girl who has many social and emotional issues and a boy whose father is a government minister become penfriends with two children in a detention centre in the Australian desert These books have been set in schools much discussed online Google
Waves For Those Who Come Across the Sea by Donna Rawlins Mark Jackson Heather Potter
Looking for a narrative nonfiction book Each double page gently illustrated spread simply tells a different story linking children throughout history who have come to Australia Review here
Refugee by Alan Gratz
The book tells and brings together the harrowing journeys of three children from different eras and places take in search of refuge All will face unimaginable dangers from drownings to bombings to betrayals But there is always hope More here
Home Drawings by Syrian Children compiled by Ben Quilty
Hear Quilty and Flanagan talk of what they saw and learned about the children whose drawings made this book Extract here with some of the images by children whose lives have been shaped by the most brutal civil war in our time Review here
Stormy Seas by Mary Beth Leatherdale Eleanor Shakespeare
True stories about young people who lived through the harrowing experience of setting sail in search of asylum For hundreds of years people have left behind family friends and all they know in hope of a better life Like Refugee (above) it links such stories across time
Seeking Refuge Rachels Story by Andy Glynne
A picture book telling the story of 13-year-old refugee Rachel who along with her family flees her home country to escape religious persecution It documents the familyrsquos experiences their courage and resilience as they face immigration authorities detention centres deportation and settling in their new country One of a series of five books on young people seeking asylum
The Lines We Cross by Randa Abdel-Fattah
Looking for a novel An Afghan Australian teen named Mina earns a scholarship to a prestigious school and meets Michael whose family opposes the settlement of Muslim refugees into the
country Michael and Mina have to choose what they want their world to look like
From Kinglake to Kabul editors Neil Grant and David Williams
Want a local story About and written by teenagers from two vastly different countries where they experienced war in Kabul fire in Kinglake these short stories tell of resilience courage and hope Check out the projectrsquos 1000 Pencils website for a feel of these writings Review here The local teenagers talk in a short amateur film about the project here
Shining the story of a lucky man by Abdi Aden and Robert Hillman
Also local and amazingly positive view an edited abstract with a videoTells the journey of a 15 year old from Somalia to Kenya Romania Germany Australia Reviewed here Abdi has written a book for younger childrenmdash Yes I Can More details here
Please send this newsletter on to your networks And join us
For lots more about MASSG go to httpsmassgblogwordpresscom
or contact us by email at massginfogmailcom
From our May Newsletter mdashadvice on
Speaking with your child about refugees and asylum seekers
It is really important to take your childrsquos lead and make sure you are answering their
questions at a level that is appropriate for their age For example young children
donrsquot need to know all the brutal details of the experiences in war-ravaged countries
or the conditions in detention centres However older children may be able to cope
with a bit more of the reality of the situation During and after reading the stories to
your children you can start talking about all the reasons that people may need to flee
their countries and seek refuge For example you could say
ldquoPicture this say you were living at home with your mum and dad and something
happened that meant you had no food no house limited water or perhaps it isnrsquot
safe for you to live there anymore Maybe you havenrsquot been able to go to school or
go out of your house because it is too dangerous That is what has happened to
some children from other parts of the world like Syria How would you feel if this
happened to us and would you want to stay there Where we live is very safe we
have lots of food and water and kids get to go to school and play without feeling
scared Wouldnrsquot you want to come and live here if you were a refugeerdquo
You might find that your child already knows quite a bit about refugees and asylum seekers from discussions
theyrsquove overheard from television or from more formal contexts at kindergarten school or home They may
have very few questions for you or they may have many questions Taking your childrsquos lead means you are
providing them with the information they are ready to understand within their context
Children can get involved in helping asylum seekers and this can be a valuable experience in understanding
the challenges faced by others This could include donating toys books pocket money and taking time with
their family to help others in need
Dr Emma Little is a Child Psychologist
Read Emmarsquos full article here Save the Children advice on talking with kids here and from UNICEF here
On a holiday excursion
A holiday visit to the city Once yoursquove braved the shopping
crowds seen the lights and decorations and dodged the
deafening commercial blare take the child in your life to see
the Christmas tree in Paulrsquos Cathedral It was constructed
by Ben Quilty and Mirra Whale from the bright orange life
vests lost or discarded by refugees crossing the sea
Back home show them the video of Quiltyrsquos story Then tuck
his book of Syrian childrenrsquos images of Home (some are on
this pagemdashand for the book see p 2) into their stocking
Newsletter of MASSG December 2018 p4
Mirror by Jeannie Baker Discussion with video here
This wordless book depicts a day in the lives of two families ndash one from Sydney and the other from a village in Morocco While their worlds are vastly different the reader is led to see that the families are essentially the same in that they care for each other they need to belong to be part of a community and to be loved by their loved ones
Flight by Nadia Wheatley (read an interview here with the author View as itrsquos read by kids )
Set in Biblical times the story tells about a family who set off across the desert to escape persecution The family faces extreme difficulties until they reach a refugee camp where
they can wait for asylum in another country
Teacup by Rebecca Young illustrated Matt Oxley
This is a beautiful picture book in which a boy in a rowboat searches for a new home despite many obstacles along the way Its images inspired a 40 minute chamber music piece listen with children on Youtube to the whalesrsquo song here
Stepping Stones A Refugee Familyrsquos Journey by Margriet Ruurs trans Falah Raheem
Inspired and illustrated by the stunning stone artwork of a Syrian artist this bilingual book tells of love of country and of a refugee familyrsquos trek through Europe Hear the au-thorrsquos story and view images of the artwork on the video here
The Treasure Box by Margaret Wild and Freya Blackwood Video of reading here
As war rages around them Peter and his father alongside so many refugees flee their home taking with them a treasure box that holds something rarer than rubies and more precious than gold A moving and ultimately hopeful look at what we hold most dear mdash and carry with us mdash when we are forced to flee our homes because of war
Refugees and Migrants by Ceri Roberts and Hanane Kai
This nonfiction picture book answers common questions about refugees and their experi-ences What does it mean to be a refugeemdashor a migrant Why would people leave their homes It answers kids questions offers reassurance and empowers them with ways they can help those affected Where issues are not appropriate to describe in words the illustra-tions help children visualize the people impacted by poverty hunger war and racism
Lost And Found Cat by Doug Kuntz amp Amy Shrodes
Yes itrsquos a true story about a cat who was separated from his family as they fled worn torn Iraq It describes the amazing way he returned home to his family via local aid workers and volunteers (the authors were there) Not just one for cat-lovers this book brings the refugee experience very close View the video on this review
My Beautiful Birds by Suzanne Del Rizzo
Behind Sami the Syrian skyline is full of smoke The boy follows his family and his neighbours in a long line as they trudge through the sands and hills to escape the bombs that have de-stroyed their homes But all Sami can think of is his pet pigeonsmdashwill they escape too It is a gentle and moving story about Syrian refugees Video trailer here
Newsletter of MASSG December 2018 p2
To help you make a choice wersquove found details about each book and linked to reviews and videos Click on the picture for a review follow the links to videos or extended discussions If you have a paper copy of this newsletter and you want it with those live links go to our
Newsletters page httpsmassgblogwordpresscomnews-resources
Newsletter of MASSG December 2018 p3
PICTURE BOOKS NOVELS AND NONFICTION FOR OLDER CHILDREN
Refuge Many Dreams One Land by Jackie French
A boat carrying asylum seekers forced to flee their once peaceful village is sunk by a freak wave Faris survives to find himself on an Australian beach where he meets a group of young people from different times and places who are also seeking refuge Review here
Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman
A young Afghani boy his sister and parents have to flee their country and make their way to Australia on a leaky boat full of desperate people and with little food and water
Girl Underground by Morris Gleitzman
An Australian girl who has many social and emotional issues and a boy whose father is a government minister become penfriends with two children in a detention centre in the Australian desert These books have been set in schools much discussed online Google
Waves For Those Who Come Across the Sea by Donna Rawlins Mark Jackson Heather Potter
Looking for a narrative nonfiction book Each double page gently illustrated spread simply tells a different story linking children throughout history who have come to Australia Review here
Refugee by Alan Gratz
The book tells and brings together the harrowing journeys of three children from different eras and places take in search of refuge All will face unimaginable dangers from drownings to bombings to betrayals But there is always hope More here
Home Drawings by Syrian Children compiled by Ben Quilty
Hear Quilty and Flanagan talk of what they saw and learned about the children whose drawings made this book Extract here with some of the images by children whose lives have been shaped by the most brutal civil war in our time Review here
Stormy Seas by Mary Beth Leatherdale Eleanor Shakespeare
True stories about young people who lived through the harrowing experience of setting sail in search of asylum For hundreds of years people have left behind family friends and all they know in hope of a better life Like Refugee (above) it links such stories across time
Seeking Refuge Rachels Story by Andy Glynne
A picture book telling the story of 13-year-old refugee Rachel who along with her family flees her home country to escape religious persecution It documents the familyrsquos experiences their courage and resilience as they face immigration authorities detention centres deportation and settling in their new country One of a series of five books on young people seeking asylum
The Lines We Cross by Randa Abdel-Fattah
Looking for a novel An Afghan Australian teen named Mina earns a scholarship to a prestigious school and meets Michael whose family opposes the settlement of Muslim refugees into the
country Michael and Mina have to choose what they want their world to look like
From Kinglake to Kabul editors Neil Grant and David Williams
Want a local story About and written by teenagers from two vastly different countries where they experienced war in Kabul fire in Kinglake these short stories tell of resilience courage and hope Check out the projectrsquos 1000 Pencils website for a feel of these writings Review here The local teenagers talk in a short amateur film about the project here
Shining the story of a lucky man by Abdi Aden and Robert Hillman
Also local and amazingly positive view an edited abstract with a videoTells the journey of a 15 year old from Somalia to Kenya Romania Germany Australia Reviewed here Abdi has written a book for younger childrenmdash Yes I Can More details here
Please send this newsletter on to your networks And join us
For lots more about MASSG go to httpsmassgblogwordpresscom
or contact us by email at massginfogmailcom
From our May Newsletter mdashadvice on
Speaking with your child about refugees and asylum seekers
It is really important to take your childrsquos lead and make sure you are answering their
questions at a level that is appropriate for their age For example young children
donrsquot need to know all the brutal details of the experiences in war-ravaged countries
or the conditions in detention centres However older children may be able to cope
with a bit more of the reality of the situation During and after reading the stories to
your children you can start talking about all the reasons that people may need to flee
their countries and seek refuge For example you could say
ldquoPicture this say you were living at home with your mum and dad and something
happened that meant you had no food no house limited water or perhaps it isnrsquot
safe for you to live there anymore Maybe you havenrsquot been able to go to school or
go out of your house because it is too dangerous That is what has happened to
some children from other parts of the world like Syria How would you feel if this
happened to us and would you want to stay there Where we live is very safe we
have lots of food and water and kids get to go to school and play without feeling
scared Wouldnrsquot you want to come and live here if you were a refugeerdquo
You might find that your child already knows quite a bit about refugees and asylum seekers from discussions
theyrsquove overheard from television or from more formal contexts at kindergarten school or home They may
have very few questions for you or they may have many questions Taking your childrsquos lead means you are
providing them with the information they are ready to understand within their context
Children can get involved in helping asylum seekers and this can be a valuable experience in understanding
the challenges faced by others This could include donating toys books pocket money and taking time with
their family to help others in need
Dr Emma Little is a Child Psychologist
Read Emmarsquos full article here Save the Children advice on talking with kids here and from UNICEF here
On a holiday excursion
A holiday visit to the city Once yoursquove braved the shopping
crowds seen the lights and decorations and dodged the
deafening commercial blare take the child in your life to see
the Christmas tree in Paulrsquos Cathedral It was constructed
by Ben Quilty and Mirra Whale from the bright orange life
vests lost or discarded by refugees crossing the sea
Back home show them the video of Quiltyrsquos story Then tuck
his book of Syrian childrenrsquos images of Home (some are on
this pagemdashand for the book see p 2) into their stocking
Newsletter of MASSG December 2018 p4
Newsletter of MASSG December 2018 p3
PICTURE BOOKS NOVELS AND NONFICTION FOR OLDER CHILDREN
Refuge Many Dreams One Land by Jackie French
A boat carrying asylum seekers forced to flee their once peaceful village is sunk by a freak wave Faris survives to find himself on an Australian beach where he meets a group of young people from different times and places who are also seeking refuge Review here
Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman
A young Afghani boy his sister and parents have to flee their country and make their way to Australia on a leaky boat full of desperate people and with little food and water
Girl Underground by Morris Gleitzman
An Australian girl who has many social and emotional issues and a boy whose father is a government minister become penfriends with two children in a detention centre in the Australian desert These books have been set in schools much discussed online Google
Waves For Those Who Come Across the Sea by Donna Rawlins Mark Jackson Heather Potter
Looking for a narrative nonfiction book Each double page gently illustrated spread simply tells a different story linking children throughout history who have come to Australia Review here
Refugee by Alan Gratz
The book tells and brings together the harrowing journeys of three children from different eras and places take in search of refuge All will face unimaginable dangers from drownings to bombings to betrayals But there is always hope More here
Home Drawings by Syrian Children compiled by Ben Quilty
Hear Quilty and Flanagan talk of what they saw and learned about the children whose drawings made this book Extract here with some of the images by children whose lives have been shaped by the most brutal civil war in our time Review here
Stormy Seas by Mary Beth Leatherdale Eleanor Shakespeare
True stories about young people who lived through the harrowing experience of setting sail in search of asylum For hundreds of years people have left behind family friends and all they know in hope of a better life Like Refugee (above) it links such stories across time
Seeking Refuge Rachels Story by Andy Glynne
A picture book telling the story of 13-year-old refugee Rachel who along with her family flees her home country to escape religious persecution It documents the familyrsquos experiences their courage and resilience as they face immigration authorities detention centres deportation and settling in their new country One of a series of five books on young people seeking asylum
The Lines We Cross by Randa Abdel-Fattah
Looking for a novel An Afghan Australian teen named Mina earns a scholarship to a prestigious school and meets Michael whose family opposes the settlement of Muslim refugees into the
country Michael and Mina have to choose what they want their world to look like
From Kinglake to Kabul editors Neil Grant and David Williams
Want a local story About and written by teenagers from two vastly different countries where they experienced war in Kabul fire in Kinglake these short stories tell of resilience courage and hope Check out the projectrsquos 1000 Pencils website for a feel of these writings Review here The local teenagers talk in a short amateur film about the project here
Shining the story of a lucky man by Abdi Aden and Robert Hillman
Also local and amazingly positive view an edited abstract with a videoTells the journey of a 15 year old from Somalia to Kenya Romania Germany Australia Reviewed here Abdi has written a book for younger childrenmdash Yes I Can More details here
Please send this newsletter on to your networks And join us
For lots more about MASSG go to httpsmassgblogwordpresscom
or contact us by email at massginfogmailcom
From our May Newsletter mdashadvice on
Speaking with your child about refugees and asylum seekers
It is really important to take your childrsquos lead and make sure you are answering their
questions at a level that is appropriate for their age For example young children
donrsquot need to know all the brutal details of the experiences in war-ravaged countries
or the conditions in detention centres However older children may be able to cope
with a bit more of the reality of the situation During and after reading the stories to
your children you can start talking about all the reasons that people may need to flee
their countries and seek refuge For example you could say
ldquoPicture this say you were living at home with your mum and dad and something
happened that meant you had no food no house limited water or perhaps it isnrsquot
safe for you to live there anymore Maybe you havenrsquot been able to go to school or
go out of your house because it is too dangerous That is what has happened to
some children from other parts of the world like Syria How would you feel if this
happened to us and would you want to stay there Where we live is very safe we
have lots of food and water and kids get to go to school and play without feeling
scared Wouldnrsquot you want to come and live here if you were a refugeerdquo
You might find that your child already knows quite a bit about refugees and asylum seekers from discussions
theyrsquove overheard from television or from more formal contexts at kindergarten school or home They may
have very few questions for you or they may have many questions Taking your childrsquos lead means you are
providing them with the information they are ready to understand within their context
Children can get involved in helping asylum seekers and this can be a valuable experience in understanding
the challenges faced by others This could include donating toys books pocket money and taking time with
their family to help others in need
Dr Emma Little is a Child Psychologist
Read Emmarsquos full article here Save the Children advice on talking with kids here and from UNICEF here
On a holiday excursion
A holiday visit to the city Once yoursquove braved the shopping
crowds seen the lights and decorations and dodged the
deafening commercial blare take the child in your life to see
the Christmas tree in Paulrsquos Cathedral It was constructed
by Ben Quilty and Mirra Whale from the bright orange life
vests lost or discarded by refugees crossing the sea
Back home show them the video of Quiltyrsquos story Then tuck
his book of Syrian childrenrsquos images of Home (some are on
this pagemdashand for the book see p 2) into their stocking
Newsletter of MASSG December 2018 p4
Please send this newsletter on to your networks And join us
For lots more about MASSG go to httpsmassgblogwordpresscom
or contact us by email at massginfogmailcom
From our May Newsletter mdashadvice on
Speaking with your child about refugees and asylum seekers
It is really important to take your childrsquos lead and make sure you are answering their
questions at a level that is appropriate for their age For example young children
donrsquot need to know all the brutal details of the experiences in war-ravaged countries
or the conditions in detention centres However older children may be able to cope
with a bit more of the reality of the situation During and after reading the stories to
your children you can start talking about all the reasons that people may need to flee
their countries and seek refuge For example you could say
ldquoPicture this say you were living at home with your mum and dad and something
happened that meant you had no food no house limited water or perhaps it isnrsquot
safe for you to live there anymore Maybe you havenrsquot been able to go to school or
go out of your house because it is too dangerous That is what has happened to
some children from other parts of the world like Syria How would you feel if this
happened to us and would you want to stay there Where we live is very safe we
have lots of food and water and kids get to go to school and play without feeling
scared Wouldnrsquot you want to come and live here if you were a refugeerdquo
You might find that your child already knows quite a bit about refugees and asylum seekers from discussions
theyrsquove overheard from television or from more formal contexts at kindergarten school or home They may
have very few questions for you or they may have many questions Taking your childrsquos lead means you are
providing them with the information they are ready to understand within their context
Children can get involved in helping asylum seekers and this can be a valuable experience in understanding
the challenges faced by others This could include donating toys books pocket money and taking time with
their family to help others in need
Dr Emma Little is a Child Psychologist
Read Emmarsquos full article here Save the Children advice on talking with kids here and from UNICEF here
On a holiday excursion
A holiday visit to the city Once yoursquove braved the shopping
crowds seen the lights and decorations and dodged the
deafening commercial blare take the child in your life to see
the Christmas tree in Paulrsquos Cathedral It was constructed
by Ben Quilty and Mirra Whale from the bright orange life
vests lost or discarded by refugees crossing the sea
Back home show them the video of Quiltyrsquos story Then tuck
his book of Syrian childrenrsquos images of Home (some are on
this pagemdashand for the book see p 2) into their stocking
Newsletter of MASSG December 2018 p4