World Refugee Day 2025: Picture Books Highlighting How Refugees are...
Today is World Refugee Day ~ a day to honor the resilience, courage, and enduring hope of millions of refugees around the globe. In recognition of the immense strength and sacrifice it takes to flee one’s home in search of safety, I’ve collaborated with USA for UNHCR to share a collection of children’s books that tell refugee stories with compassion, honesty, and humanity.
As the child of refugees, this day holds deep personal meaning. I’ve grown up hearing the stories of my mother and grandmother—how they left everything behind not just to survive, but to rebuild. To nurture joy, to form new traditions, to create family where it had once been fractured. Their journeys were not defined by victimhood, but by fierce love and unyielding determination.
As the child of refugees, I’ve witnessed first-hand from my mother and grandmother that refugees are not passive victims ~ rather, they are survivors creating community, joy, and new life even amidst a backdrop of war.
Refugees carry with them stories of heartbreak and stories of hope. When we share these stories with young readers, we help raise a generation that understands the power of empathy, the importance of community, and the necessity of standing up for human dignity ~ no matter where someone comes from or why they had to leave.
I hope these books open meaningful conversations in your home or classroom, and remind your little ones that we each have a role to play in creating a more welcoming world.
💙 To support families forced to flee their homes, please consider donating to USA for UNHCR. Your contributions help provide food, water, shelter, safety, and protection to refugees in crisis.
Here’s to honoring refugee journey, and working to ensure they’re met with open arms.
Picture Books that Highlight how Refugees are….
Find the full list of Refugee Picture Books on Amazon | Bookshop, or click on the individual titles linked below.
Brave – for facing danger and uncertainty with courage
Caged by Kao Kalia Yang | A young Hmong girl who has never known life beyond the refugee camp faces the bittersweet moment of leaving everything familiar behind. As her family prepares to resettle, she’s filled with uncertainty ~ until her beloved aunt reminds her of the courage she carries within and sends her off with the words: “Your wings have arrived.”
Resilient – for surviving and adapting despite extreme hardships
The Endless Sea by Chi Thai | This true story follows a young girl’s refugee journey from Vietnam to the UK. At just three years old, she leaves home with her family by boat, facing fear and uncertainty in search of safety.
Determined – for pressing forward toward safety and a better life
A Tree of My Own by Nui Wilson | Posada, a young Karen girl from Burma, loves her home and the tree she calls her own. But when war forces her family to flee, she begins a long journey ~ from the forests of Burma to a refugee camp in Thailand, and eventually to a new life in Portland, Oregon.
Hopeful – for maintaining optimism in the face of loss
Brothers in Hope by Mary Williams | When war reaches his village in southern Sudan, eight-year-old Garang returns to find everything destroyed. Joining thousands of other displaced boys, he embarks on a long, dangerous journey across countries in search of safety. Through courage, faith, and friendship, they hold onto hope for a new home.
Resourceful – for finding creative solutions in challenging situations
Dounia and the Magic Seeds by Marya Zarif | Dounia cherishes her life in Aleppo, Syria, but when war forces her to flee with her grandparents, she carries only a carved soap bird and four magical baraké seeds. Facing danger and uncertainty, the seeds guide and protect them on their journey toward the blue house seen in a neighbor’s prophecy.
Courageous – for making the hard choice to leave everything behind
Lost Words by Leila Boukarim | Based on true events, this book follows a young Armenian boy forced to flee his home during the Armenian Genocide. As he journeys toward safety, he struggles to process the loss of everything he’s ever known.
Strong – emotionally, mentally, and physically
When We Had to Leave Home by Linda Ravin Lodding | When war forces Sofiya and her family to flee their home, she carries a sunflower as a reminder of the garden and life she left behind. As they journey toward safety, the flower becomes a symbol of hope and healing, helping Sofiya begin to grow new roots in an unfamiliar place.
Persevering – for continuing on despite obstacles
Mali Under the Night Sky Youme Nguyen Le | The true story of Lao American artist Malichansouk Kouanchao, who fled Laos with her family at age five due to war. Before they were forced to leave, Mali lived a joyful life filled with nature, community, and tradition.
Compassionate – for supporting others even when struggling themselves
Four Feet Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williamns | In a refugee camp, ten-year-old Lina finds one perfect sandal ~ only to discover the other is claimed by another girl, Feroza. Rather than argue, the two decide to share the pair, sparking a deep friendship. As they navigate daily life and dream of resettlement, the shared sandals become a symbol of hope, kindness, and connection.
Adaptable – for adjusting to new cultures, languages, and environments
Tani’s New Home by Tanitoluwa Adewumi | At six years old, Tani and his family fled persecution in Nigeria and settled in New York City as refugees. Overwhelmed by his new life, Tani found joy and focus in chess, practicing tirelessly even while living in a homeless shelter. His determination led him to win the New York State Chess Championship, showing how resilience and kindness can create a new home.
Tenacious – for never giving up on rebuilding their lives
The Cambodian Dancer by Daryn Reicherter | This true story follows a Cambodian refugee who escaped the Khmer Rouge’s Killing Fields and built a new life in the U.S. She became a counselor and founded a dance school to teach traditional Cambodian dances to young refugees, helping them stay connected to their heritage.
Inspiring – for their stories of endurance and hope
The Carpet by Dezh Azaad | Follows a day in the life of an Afghan refugee child, centered around a cherished family carpet that holds memories, love, and connection to home. Through shared meals, stories, and laughter, the carpet becomes a symbol of family and belonging, reminding readers that home is wherever love resides.
I hope this book list is useful! Please consider subscribing for more bookish content.
Here’s to raising our young readers and future leaders~
Happy Reading,
Maya
Thank you! 🫶🏾