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Recommended Viewing

These powerful films within the Uprising section of the Surviving to Thriving project were made by unaccompanied asylum seeking young people in the UK. Rebecca, our UASC Liaison Worker, writes, “I have watched both Prejudice and Loneliness, which speak very clearly of young people’s experiences here. The films are made to be shown freely, so please share!“

Sitting in Limbo. Rachel, our women’s worker, highly recommends watching this 90-minute programme: inspired by the Windrush scandal, it touches on issues that many of our clients face. Currently (November 2021) available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

In This World – film, directed by Michael Winterbottom
This film follows two unaccompanied youngsters on their journey to the UK

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Recommended Reading

Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah
Suitable for older teenagers as well as adults, this book is a good introduction to refugee issues in the UK

The Silence Seeker by Ben Morley
A thought-provoking younger children’s picture storybook

The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q Rauf
A refugee child joins a school and a boy goes out of his way to welcome him. Suitable for junior school children

Adam’s Diary: a refugee’s story by Michaela Morgan
A book in diary format, focussing on a child settling into his new life in the UK. Suitable for junior school children

Boy Giant: Son of Gulliver by Michael Morpurgo
Inspired by Gulliver’s Travels, this story follows a boy fleeing from Afghanistan. Suitable for junior school children (and adults!)

No Ballet Shoes in Syria by Catherine Bruton
This book follows the story of an 11-year old Syrian girl and her family, who are seeking asylum in the UK. Winner of the Angels and Urchins Book Award for Older Readers, nominated for the 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Also an excellent film, a fascinating insight into life in Afghanistan under the Taleban

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Focuses on the life of women in Afghanistan before 9/11

The Other Hand by Chris Cleave
A gripping, and chilling story set in Yarlswood, London and Nigeria

Waterstones have gathered together this wide-ranging list of books, which includes true stories, fiction, and books for children, in recognition of Refugee Week 2021.

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Other resources

• This article from the ‘Guardian’ focusses on Afghan boys who have fled to Europe. Whilst it was written several years ago it is still relevant, particularly in light of the recent news from Afghanistan
• This clip explaining international migration is an impartial look at what migration is, and the factors that create it.
• This image shows the size of Africa in a unique way.

If you have any other books or resources you recommend, please let us know.