Hamid's Story: A Real-Life Account of His Journey from Eritrea (Seeking Refuge)

PreS-Gr 2--People having to flee from conflict often face hardships not fully comprehensible to small children. The ordeals of refugee families undergoing such journeys are explored here in an attempt to ease the fears and emotions such turmoil can generate. In most cases, the circumstances surrounding each forced relocation are sketchy, but from the perspective of children, that might be an accurate representation of the situation. Digitally created artwork enhances most volumes with a rustic quality. Much emphasis is placed on the spectrum of emotions that arise: anger and sadness, fear of being caught, school performance and separation anxieties, and insecurities stemming from language and cultural barriers. In some cases, the families are never reunited. Despite the claim that the series is based on "real-life accounts," there are no references or sources provided. VERDICT A valid attempt at bibliotherapy that does not consistently provide closure or further information.