Book cover of Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family's Journey

Book description

Rama and her family, are forced to flee their once-peaceful village to escape the ravages of the civil war raging ever closer to their home

With only what they can carry on their backs, Rama and her mother, father, grandfather and brother, Sami, set out to walk to freedom in…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Stepping Stones as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Although this picture book is a bit dark and bleak for very young readers, Stepping Stones is a uniquely beautiful depiction of the refugee’s journey. The illustrations were inspired by the stone artwork of Syrian artist Nizar Ali Badr. Stones, like trees, appear to have an ancient power to tell difficult stories like no other. I love that this book focuses not only on the hardships and horrors, but also on the beauties and rituals of the life and culture left behind. So many children will have known only conflict in their short lives, and it is important that they…

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Book cover of Jane Addams: The Most Dangerous Woman in America

Jane Addams by Marlene Targ Brill,

This biography for middle-grade readers and up explains who Jane Addams was and why she caused such a stir worldwide. The story follows Addams' first childhood realization of how poverty limits lives, livelihoods, and health to her becoming one of the most beloved―and disliked―women of her day. She worked to…

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