Immigrant and Refugee Stories

A stunning, mythology-inspired ode to the places and people who came before us as a girl embarks on her first visit to her mother’s hometown in China for Lunar New Year.

In this moving picture book, inspired by the author’s experience as a Syrian refugee, a child’s profound love for his family’s apple tree gives him courage when he must flee his homeland.

In the first picture book written by a DACA Dreamer, Areli Morales tells her own powerful and vibrant immigration story.

Dan Yaccarino shares his own family’s story of coming to America. It begins with a great grandfather who came through Ellis Island with big dreams, a small shovel, and his parents’ good advice: “Work hard, but remember to enjoy life, and never forget your family.”

Meet Mamie Tape, 8-year-old Chinese American changemaker who fought for the right to go to school in San Francisco in the 1880s. Follow Mamie’s brave steps and discover the poignant history of her California Supreme Court case Tape v. Hurley.

A heartwarming story about the new girl in school, and how she learns to appreciate her Korean name.

In this moving story that celebrates cultural diversity, a shy girl brings her West African grandmother–whose face bears traditional tribal markings–to meet her classmates. This is a perfect read for back to school!

Based on true events, this inspiring story follows a mama and her daughter who are denied entry at the U.S. border, and must find the refugee in charge of “the notebook,” an unofficial ledger of those waiting to cross into the U.S.

An inspiring picture-book biography of animator Tyrus Wong, the Chinese American immigrant responsible for bringing Disney’s Bambi to life.

An accessible picture book that oh-so-simply and graphically introduces the term “refugee” to curious young children to help them better understand the world in which they live.

Here is the dramatic coming-of-age graphic novel memoir of 12-year-old Carlos (who would grow up to become the author’s father), his life during the Cuban Revolution, and his family’s harrowing escape to America.

A boy and his family must decide whether to remain in Cuba under a repressive government or risk everything for the chance of a new beginning.

In the vein of timely titles such as Katherine Applegate’s Wishtree and Alan Gratz’s Refugee comes a touching, accessible middle-grade debut about the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis, as well as the life-changing power of friendship and standing as an ally.

Ten years after its initial publication, award-winning author Ann Bausum writes a new introduction and afterword that reflects on how our past has influenced modern events and current views on the ever-relevant conversations about immigration in the United States.

New school, new country, but only half a family?! Embark on a coming of age journey with a middle school teen navigating their parent’s divorce while moving to a new country in this stunning graphic novel.

A girl discovers a connection between her home in the Philippines and her new home in the U.S. through a special garden in this middle grade novel that celebrates nourishment and growth.

Twelve year-old Maizy discovers her family’s Chinese restaurant is full of secrets in this irresistible novel that celebrates food, fortune, and family.

When her family had to flee Syria, 14-year-old Muzoon was told to pack only the most essential things—and so she packed her schoolbooks. This is the inspiring true story of a Syrian refugee who fought hard for what she needed—and grew into one of the world’s leading advocates for education.

From We Need Diverse Books, the organization behind Flying Lessons & Other Stories, comes an inspiring middle-grade anthology that follows the loosely interconnected lives of multigenerational immigrant families, the residents at the Entrada apartment building. Edited by Ellen Oh, a founding member of WNDB.

If one small act can create a ripple across the universe . . . what happens when a whole group of kids join together and act?

The Red Umbrella is a moving tale of a 14-year-old girl’s journey from Cuba to America as part of Operation Pedro Pan—an organized exodus of more than 14,000 unaccompanied children, whose parents sent them away to escape Fidel Castro’s revolution.

An award-winning, moving, and timely story about the families of undocumented workers by renowned author Julia Alvarez.

Just right for fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan, this story of moving out and moving on is a touching portrayal of the experience of leaving one’s home country and making new friends–sometimes where least expected.

Equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful, Tiger Daughter is an award-winning novel about finding your voice amidst the pressures of growing up in an immigrant home told from the perspective of a remarkable young Chinese girl.

Imagine being forced to move to a new planet where YOU are the alien! From the creator of the Tapper Twins, New York Times bestselling author Geoff Rodkey delivers a topical, sci-fi middle-grade novel that proves friendship and laughter can transcend even a galaxy of differences.

This hilarious, poignant and true story of one teen’s experience growing up in America as an undocumented immigrant from the Middle East is an increasingly necessary read in today’s divisive world. Perfect for fans of Mindy Kaling and Trevor Noah’s books.

From renowned author Julia Alvarez comes an unforgettable story about adolescence, perseverance, and one girl’s struggle to be free while living in the Dominican Republic under the rule of a dictator.

Adapted for young people, this edition of Enrique’s Journey is written by Sonia Nazario and based on the adult book of the same name. It is the true story of Enrique, a teenager from Honduras, who sets out on a journey, braving hardship and peril, to find his mother, who had no choice but to leave him when he was a child and go to the United States in search of work.

A “stunning” (America Ferrera) YA novel about a teenager coming to terms with losing her sister and finding herself amid the pressures, expectations, and stereotypes of growing up in a Mexican American home.

Tom Bouchard has it made: captain and star of the soccer team, hot, popular girlfriend, and third in his class. He’ll have his pick of any college–if he ever bothers filling out his applications. But life in his idyllic small Maine town quickly gets turned upside down after the events of 9/11.

The #1 New York Times bestseller and National Book Award finalist from the bestselling author of Everything, Everything will have you falling in love with Natasha and Daniel as they fall in love with each other!

An extraordinary and timely novel, a Walter Dean Myers Award Honor Book, examines what it’s like to grow up under surveillance in America.

When a teenage girl’s single mom is taken by ICE, everything changes—all of her hopes and dreams for the future turn into survival.