Powerful Picture Books About Refugees & Immigrants: Stories of Resilience, Hope & Belonging
Why These Stories Matter
Imagine waking up one morning and being told you have to leave your home, your friends, your favorite books, everything familiar, without knowing when or if you’ll ever return. This is the reality for millions of families around the world.
Refugee and immigrant stories matter because:
They teach kids more than history.
They teach compassion, resilience, and the importance of belonging.
Through these powerful picture books, young readers can step into the shoes of children who have been forced to start over in a new land.
While I haven’t read all of these books yet, they come highly recommended by educators, literacy advocates, and diverse book reviewers. If you’re looking for stories that spark meaningful conversations, these books are a great place to start.
Best Picture Books About Refugees & Immigrants
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Stories of Displacement & Finding Home
1. Marwan’s Journey by Patricia de Arias
Marwan walks away from everything he has ever known, carrying only memories of his home as he flees war. A poetic and moving story of loss and hope.
2. The Color of Home by Mary Hoffman
Hassan, a young Somali refugee, struggles to adjust to life in the U.S. But when his teacher encourages him to express himself through art, his story begins to unfold.
3. A Different Pond by Bao Phi
A young Vietnamese boy and his father wake before dawn to fish—not for fun, but for survival. As they sit by the water, his father shares stories of the life they left behind.
Friendship, Resilience & New Beginnings
1. Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams & Khadra Mohammed
In a refugee camp, two girls each find one sandal from the same pair. Instead of fighting over them, they decide to share—a small act of kindness that sparks a deep friendship.
2. Stepping Stones by Margriet Ruurs
Told in both English and Arabic, this book follows a young Syrian girl’s journey to safety. Stunning stone artwork illustrates her story of courage and hope.
3. Lost and Found Cat by Doug Kuntz
A heartwarming true story about a refugee family forced to flee Iraq—and the incredible journey of their beloved cat, Kunkush, who gets lost along the way.
How to Use These Books With Kids
⭐ Pre-read each book to ensure the themes match your child’s emotional readiness.
⭐ Ask open-ended questions like: “How do you think the characters felt when they had to leave home?”
⭐ Make connections to current events, history, or your child’s own experiences with change and new beginnings.
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