The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees by Don Brown Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on September 18th 2018
ISBN: 1328810151
Pages: 112
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
Don Brown wanted to tell the story of the Syrian refugees. He wanted the focus to be on their plight and their stories. In order to get accurate information, he visited a refugee camp in Greece, outside a former Greek air base. In graphic novel form, he tells their story – the horror of war, the torture of men, women and children, fleeing from one horrific place to another, never knowing whether you will live to see the end of the day. His illustrations convey both the hopelessness of their-plight and the hopefulness of a people who will not be defeated. This is a hard book to read yet it should be read and discussed. It causes the reader to wonder if this could really be happening in this day and age. How could people be treated so badly for wanting to be free and decide their own fate?
In Brown’s postscript he states”There are about 5.7 million registered refugees. In the first three months of 2018, the United States has accepted eleven for resettlement.”
Suggested reading level is grades 9-12
Reviewed by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray