Reading is something that has brought me joy and helped me relate to others and the world around me throughout my life. I believe that sharing books together is one of the quickest and most effective ways to connect with one another. Sharing books about life experiences can bring us closer even when our experiences are vastly different. On this blog, I would like to take the opportunity to share some of my favorite books that help me connect with my refugee friends. I hope as you find out about great books about refugees you and your children will feel a connection with their experiences and recognize that we are all more similar than we realize. I will also share books that might help you to teach the children in your sphere of influence more about compassion, tolerance, and kindness as these traits help bring us all a little closer in the world.
The story Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egnéus is one that will tug at your heartstrings. Lubna, a refugee child, finds a pebble on the beach the first night she and her father arrive at a refugee camp. In her new and unfamiliar world, Lubna counts on her pebble to be her best friend. She draws a face on the pebble and takes special care to protect it. She tells it her stories. Lubna loves her pebble. When a new boy arrives at the refugee camp, Lubna doesn’t know what to do. Gradually, Lubna gets to know the boy, Amir, and they become friends, however, Lubna makes it clear that Pebble is her best friend. One day, Lubna’s father tells her it is time to leave the camp, they have found a new home. Lubna is happy to be going to a new home but sad to leave Amir. All night Lubna wonders what she should do. In the morning she decides to give Pebble to Amir. Pebble can be Amir’s best friend. This touching story of one child sharing her most prized possession with another child who needs it more reminds each of us the power of friendship.
This story is one of my favorites because it is so relatable. Each of us can remember a special toy or stuffed animal that was important to us. We understand how strong that love can be for a child. The idea that Lubna would be willing to give up her special pebble and share it with Amir reminds the reader the importance of true friendship and is particularly inspiring because Lubna is willing to share when she has so little. This story provides the perfect opportunity to discuss with children the idea of true friendship and what it means to share what we have, especially what is important to us. Grab a copy of Lubna and Pebble and share it with a child you love. You won’t be disappointed!