The Global Refugee Crisis

March 1, 2019

Gr 7 Up-There are many reasons why refugees leave their countries and McPherson's offering presents them in clear and concise language. Although commonly associated with war, many refugees seeking asylum flee due to a variety of circumstances (climate, political, overcrowding, etc.) that are often overlooked. This work provides readers with an intercontinental, objective look at the environmental and human forces responsible for the current crisis. Informative, explanatory writing (synonyms and definitions are included for improved comprehension), interspersed with portraits of refugee rights activists, humanitarians, controversial contemporary issues, and first-hand accounts from refugees across the world provide readers with a thorough understanding of the issue presented. In addition, readers are guided through the migrant/refugee experience from the decision to leave, resettlement (and life) in refugee camps, and legal process for asylum seekers in the United States. VERDICT Recommended for school and public libraries serving tweens and teens.-Tamela Chambers, Chicago Public Library, IL

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2019
This ambitious narrative strives to create awareness of the plight of refugees through personal vignettes, salient historical context, and an overview of current worldwide hot spots.Now-iconic photographs of Pope Francis, Justin Trudeau, Malala Yousafzai, and even a Sesame Street puppet punctuate the text, which is broken down into graphically inviting segments. The immediate launch into the subtopic of climate migration slows the momentum of the opening chapter. The wording of the brief section on Palestinian refugees opens with a patent falsehood--that nearly "one million Palestinians left their homes," implying a voluntary evacuation. In stark contrast to sections on other refugee groups which contain strongly worded information and evocative quotes from individuals about the suffering and oppression leading to their refugee status, the book is silent on corresponding events endured by Palestinians (who are also excluded from the index). The irony of the chapter title "Welcome to the United States" becomes obvious in the enumeration of the vetting process for potential refugees. Frequent in-line definitions of words disrupt the readability; expanding the glossary would have streamlined the narrative. Profiles of individual refugees, particularly success stories such as Rep. Ilhan Omar, put a human face on the subject. A map, infographic, and sidebars provide important contextual information. The book concludes with suggestions for ways readers can help refugees in their communities.A timely and thought-provoking discussion of an urgent humanitarian issue despite the caveats noted. (source notes, glossary, bibliography, further information, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)

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March 15, 2019
Grades 8-11 In this engaging, factual narrative, McPherson outlines different refugee terms, details a recent history of immigration and refugee issues, and covers the immigration vetting process in the U.S. The text provides necessary insight into a humanitarian crisis that countries are dealing with worldwide and provides young readers seeking solutions with ideas on how to get involved. The personal stories shared by refugees and immigrants are deeply moving, and readers are exposed to the squalid conditions of migrant camps, the traumatic journeys that families undertake, and the risks refugees face. Important, too, are the stories of those that are helping any way they can?from countries with open borders to individuals determined to lend a helping hand. Extensive back matter will help readers extend their research into the different organizations that are trying to help immigrants resettle and achieve better lives, often by providing professional career services. An excellent resource for researchers, report writers, and school debate team members.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2019
A sweeping geographic and historical overview of twentieth-century refugee crises, ranging from refugees of war to those displaced by climate change. Broad historical summaries are balanced with one-page stories from individual refugees, some of whom are well-known. Full-color photos, text boxes on related issues, and extensive back matter make this an enriching and comprehensive resource. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)