My Name Is Not Refugee

by Kate Milner

A young boy discusses the journey he is about to make with his mother. They will leave their town, she explains, and it will be sad but also a little bit exciting. They will have to say goodbye to friends and loved ones, and that will be difficult. They will have to walk and walk and walk, and although they will see many new and interesting things, it will be difficult at times too. A powerful and moving exploration that draws the young reader into each stage of the journey, inviting the chance to imagine the decisions he or she would make. From the winner of the V&A Student Illustration Award 2016.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, War, School, Cultural, Travel

32 pages, Paperback

Published May 4, 2017

About the author

Kate studied illustration at Central St Martin’s, and graduated with an MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Anglia Ruskin in 2016. Her work has been published in magazines, and her illustrations and prints have been shown in London galleries and national touring exhibitions.

Kate is passionate about libraries and has been involved with her local library in every kind of activity from Storytime for toddlers to teen reading groups.

Reviews

[Suad Shamma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may be aimed at children, but I believe the words and content are so powerful in their simplicity that even adults would do well to read this. That is not to say that Kate Milner is "simplifying" the refugee crisis in any way, shape or form. Not at all. On the contrary, I believe she has succeeded in shedding light at a situation that is absolutely horrific and nightmarish and giving us a glimpse at how parents with children deal with it.

No one wants to be in their shoes, and no one thinks they'll ever be put in that situation until they find themselves in it. How do you deal with it? Especially when you have kids? How do you balance the reality of the situation while still trying to protect and shield your children from any harm?

And those refugee children, who are so much more open to change and are capable of adapting to new environments more readily than adults and experience things differently, to see them through Milner's words, it's truly moving.

I especially loved the little side questions that allow you to interact and engage with your child while reading the book. Very clever, and very inspiring.

The book can be read in less than 5 minutes, but the emotional impact will stay with you and it will have you thinking and evaluating your life. It will make you hug your children a little tighter and count your blessings.

[Daisy May Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this increasingly complex and difficult world we live in, I've been looking for books that help to explain and support younger readers. They have often proven of immense value to myself and the dual appeal of texts like this to both adult and child cannot be ignored. Step towards children's books if you're struggling to find answers; there's something to be said for the pure poetics and the stylistic truths that can exist in this space.

I was delighted to come across My Name Is Not Refugee, a picture book which tells the story of an unnamed mother and son who need to leave their home. As we go along their journey, the text occasionally turns towards the reader and asks a direct question of them: "Can you speak more than one language?" or "What would you take?" It's a simple technique and yet an incredibly potent one. Books like this thrive not only on the story that they provide but also on the discussion they provoke. I was very pleased to discover an excellent teacher's resource kit for My Name Is Not Refugee and would direct you there as a matter of haste.

Milner's great strength comes in her restraint; the text is poised and quiet, simply rendering the events with a sort of matter of fact air. Being a refugee is scary but also "quite exciting too", yet she doesn't hold back from showing the moments beyond those words. Some of the most powerful spreads in the book show great scenes beyond the text; swathes of tents in the distant, or a host of people sleeping on mats on the floor. What makes these even more beautiful is how Milner uses white space; many of the images are wrapped in white space, and so become evocative, painful little moments. It's the detail, really, of a big journey that's almost too big to understand, and it's gracefully done.

There's a lot to love about this incredibly deft and sensitively told picture book. Bring this towards little people who are asking questions - and bring it towards those little people who aren't. My Name Is Not Refugee has this great, great range of appeal and I have a lot of time for it, I really do.

My thanks to the publisher for a review copy.

[Zahrah Al-Merei · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotive story detailing the journey of a refugee family through the eyes of a child, this story is worthy of all the praise it has received! The story gives children a view into what life is like for a refugee, but also empowers refugee children, encouraging them to not be defined by by their status. I also loved the directed questions, as this draws the reader further into the story, and can be useful for teachers to use in class discussions on the book. The beautiful illustrations also allow for the reader to be more immersed in the story. Highly recommend!

[Noémie Hauver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un livre sur le parcours que peuvent vivre les réfugiés avec un langage d’enfant. Un beau livre pour s’ouvrir l’esprit 🥰

[Pippa James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sensitive book to address the current refugee crisis. An educational book for children to go on a journey with the characters and answer questions refugees may need to consider.

[Nour Alshemali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful language was used to make the case much simpler to understand, sad book that will make you think about the small things 💔

[Annabel Forde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Milner simply and clearly explains to a young audience the journey a refugee makes when fleeing their home. The book is narrated from the perspective of a young boy who is told by his mother that they have to leave their town as it is unsafe. As well as being highly illustrated to engage the young mind, the book includes small questions in separate boxes to try and get the reader to consider what it would be like if they were a refugee. This is an innovative way to engage a young audience and help them begin to empathize with the difficulties that refugees face.

Milner's book could be read to yr1 with the aim of aiding both their understanding of the refugee crisis and diversity and inclusivity due to the book addressing issues such as language barriers and racism. Furthermore, the book is simply written so could be read by yr1 pupils or less confident readers in yr2 as the level of text to image makes the book accessible to all.

[Frances Coe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The opening page to this book contains the words (that I am sure) no parent or carer ever wishes to say to their child. This straight forward picture book explains the decisions that people have to make and then prompts a thought provoking question. Which forces the reader to think about what it would be like if they were in the child’s shoes. This is going to be a very accessible book to use in the classroom. Global learning encourages children to think about the world outside from their home/village/school. I thought the illustrations were excellent too.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book for opening up understanding and conversation. I really liked the use of questions in the book for the reader

9/10

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book with a wonderful message.

I was instantly in love with the cover, the art on it was pretty. It still took me a bit before I actually read it though. Nothing against refugees, I am happy that we can give these people a chance for a safe life, a happy life. But there is just SO MUCH about refugees, books about them (from picture books to YA), or authors just moving refugee characters in their books. At first I was quite interested in reading these books, but after months of seeing it everywhere... it just gets too much. Sorry. :(

But I am more than happy to read this book. It tells us the story of a little boy who has to leave his home, most of his family. He is going on a big trip with his mom, and she explains to him all he can expect. From tiny beds, to lots of lorries and cars, to strange food and strange words, to new friendship. I loved how the mom took her time to explain everything to the little boy, held him tight, hugged him a lot, and made sure he was knowledgeable about the journey. Good job mom!

And the journey was long, and it wasn't always easy, we can see that. But the ending made me smile and I was happy for both the little boy and his mom.

The message, the kids may call you refugee, but remember *points to the title*, your name isn't refugee.

Each scene/double page also contains a question. Letting kids think about the situation, to help them understand a bit more. I really liked that the author added it to the mix.

The art is so pretty, I just adored the style. Fabulously done!

All in all, a book I would definitely recommend. I think this would do perfect in a classroom.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Ellen Chard · Rating 4 out of 5]

We enjoyed this book, it gave a positive insight initially into a refugee and their journeys, with the photos providing good stimulus for discussion. In terms of the implied reader, we felt that children reading this would need to have a prior knowledge of what a refugee is and what this terminology means. They might even have to have an insight into why they would be moving away in order to gain a better understanding of the emotions.

The main themes in this book are attachment, loss, journeys but also new beginning and relationships. It showed that although you may leave what is familiar to you behind, that there can be good things on the horizon too; even if they seem a little abstract at first.

Milner used colour to represent what he was leaving behind: representing these in darker colours as if they are almost fading out, whereas the boys new friend is represented as lighter but still an outline to show the lack emotional attachment. The journey within the book is clear to follow as the lack of border give the sense that you are in the story, with the lack of background colour creating a sense of emptiness: which may reflect how the boy and his family may be feeling.

The book as a whole is very simplistic. The word and pictures work cohesively together, with the pictures being the main focus of the story; the words add to this by giving it context, with the pictures telling the true story. We did however, not like the questions which accompanied each page. We felt these detracted the reader's attention away from the depth of the story, making it harder to empathise with the characters.

[Rosie Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, emotive book, which again gives a face to the real crisis happening in our world. My favourite line has to be at the end, "You'll be called Refugee, but remember, Refugee is not your name". This book has really simple illustrations, which almost make you focus on the words more, and leaves you room as the reader to interpret the book any way you like. This book could definitely be read to the younger years, but you would just have to be careful about the questions that you pose to the children. They are likely to produce loads of interesting questions themselves, and probably will interpret the book in a completely different way to you! I think it would be a lovely class book to explore over an afternoon, and it doesn't shy away from the fact that this book is basically informing the children about the real-life crisis happening across the world.

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when you are forced from your home? What would you take? What kind of places would have have to live in to survive? Why must you never let your parents out of your sight? This story told in first person narrative from the perspective of a young boy as they travels across borders, past camps to a safer place. Milner purposefully keeps the places and people muted and culturally open as she is telling the story of not one family but that of millions who have been displaced from their home and seek refuge. The illustrations are excellent and promote a lot of talk - personally, I would not have had the questions but I can see how they would prompt discussion where it may not have happened before. Still, an excellent addition to the steadily growing canon of books about refugees.

[Luna's Little Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

My name is not Refugee is written and illustrated by Kate Milner. The story is about a young boy who is told by his mother that they have to leave their home because it’s not safe anymore. Each page chronicles their journey as they leave, travel and eventually find a safer place to stay.

One of the most effective illustrations for me was the one of the boy and his mum joining the line of endless people waiting.

Another thing I thought was great was how so many pages has a question for the reader; “What would you take? How far can you walk? What is the weirdest food you have ever eaten?” It’s inviting the audience to think and engage.

[Alice Biggerstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read - showing an insight into the experience of a refugee boy. The questions throughout the book help children to put themselves into the shoes of the boy who has to leave his home for safety. The boy may be a refugee but it is important to show children that they are not defined by their experiences and everyone is equal.

[Amy Brydon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional story of something that sadly so true in today's society. I absolutely love that I am seeing more and more books like Milner's that address these themes, and I particularly loved the questions Milner used which could be great for a PSHE lesson to discuss this topic. The illustrations are simple and compliment the language.

'You'll be called refugee but remember refugee is not your name.'

[Nari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not just children’s book. The content in this book imply so many things that we all need to think and know about. As I was reading this book, I was stunned by the illustrations and texts which were clear and concise. I spent a few minutes reading it but I could not put it down. I held the book in my hands for a while. The author’s viewpoint elicited my sympathy to their situation.
A very powerful children’s book!!

[Claire (Book Blog Bird) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really short book about a mum who tries to explain to her child what it will be like when they leave their home and become refugees. It’s a preschool book, so it’s a hit light on what it’s actually like to be a refugee but it’s sad and hopeful and encourages children to think about how they’d cope with being away from everything they loved and hopefully teach them a bit of empathy.

[Charlotte Bartley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought-provoking read. A suitable book to be read as part of a shared reading experience with the whole class.

[Christina Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC!

[Sophie Hearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’ll be called refugee but remember, Refugee is not your name.”

[Alexandra Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great teaching tool for younger students.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story about refugee children highlighting that they are just like everyone else and much more than just a ‘refugee’. This would be a fantastic book to read to children to make them think about the difficulties refugee children have to face. There are accompanying questions on each page which could be the start of a class discussion to stimulate deeper thinking about the topic. An important story to read.

[sgh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I respect that this book is coming from a good place, but I think it’s definitely created with a non-refugee reader in mind. Would like to know what the child’s name is, and I feel like the author ducks out of creating specific and nuanced depictions and instead creates quite a general, sentimental story.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young boy and his mother talk about the journey they are about to take because their homeland is no longer safe for them. She tells him they will be leaving old friends and to think about what to pack, and the long journey ahead of them by foot, the people they will meet, the things they will see. After the journey, she explains, they will sleep in strange places, hear strange words, eat different food until they finally have a home again and begin to understand things in their new country. And, she tells him, that he will be called refugee, but to remember that his name is not refugee. What's different about this book is that they haven't left on their long journey yet, so that at each juncture talked about, readers are also prompted to think about what they would do if they were about to go on the same trip, making this an interactive book that puts the reader into the shoes of a refugee, making the experience more realistic for them when they need to consider something like what to take and what to leave behind. The illustrations are simple and expressive.

A teacher's guide is available from the publisher that can be downloaded HERE

[The Library Mouse Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book tells the story of a young boy who is talking to his mother about the journey they have to take. His mother explains that they will have to leave their town and it will be sad but also a little bit exciting. He is so young and needs to know what will happen to them. His mother is trying to make is seem like an adventure so he will not be so frightened. They will have to say goodbye to friends and family members, and that will be hard for them. The journey will be difficult. They will have to walk long distances but they will see many new and interesting things.
This is a sad but important book. It makes readers think about the dangerous journey that refugees are forced to make to find a safe place to live. There are lots of questions in the book that make you think about how that journey must feel and which decisions you would make if you were in the boy’s place.
This is a simple story with clear illustrations that help you imagine some of the things that refugees have to go through. The questions are a good way of making you really think about refugees and have sympathy for them, especially the children.
We must remember that they may be “called Refugee” but that it not their name. They are people like us who need help.

[Eleanor King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing and important book by Milner. The text is simplistic, presenting this difficult concept in an accessible way, allowing those living in difficult circumstances to have their stories heard, seen, supported, and understood. The illustrations go into much greater depth, showing a sea of tents or people sleeping on the floor, whilst others are smaller images surrounded by blank space, introducing small but emotive images. There are several books on refugees, but this book is perfect for the younger reader, shedding light on a horrific situation and the human reality of dealing with it. However, I would suggest that the reader should have a prior understanding of what a refugee is and what experiences they may have had, with the book focusing more on the emotions involved in the situation. As a teacher, the side questions are really useful in encouraging children to engage with each section of this book and an open discussion. I also love the ending, empowering refugee children to not be defined by their status, beautifully mirrored by the illustrations.

[Sonya Bright · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book meant well, and was well-received (I suspect 100% because of the subject matter rather than the execution), but, when it comes down to it, it completely misrepresents refugees, the situations they face, and the discrimination that's always there.

These are heavy subjects for children, but I'm the daughter of a refugee. My aunts were refugees. My grandparents were refugees. Now - with Russia's ongoing aggression against their neighbours - half of my extended family have been refugees for the past seven years.

And this book gives no indication of the refugee experience. It's so vague in its descriptions. It's so vague in every way. And it makes the whole thing seem more like an adventure - almost a holiday - than an experience caused by conflict and desperation. I'm also puzzled by why they seemed to leave grandma behind!

I did like the artwork at the beginning and end, however, showing the rows and rows of tents.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this was meant to be a lovely book idea in order to include difficult subjects into children’s literature, however, written by someone who has probably never had to deal with these issues in her life is problematic.
Is she exposing the realities of refugees and escaping from a war or persecution etc or is she just telling someone else’s story...?

I like the additional questions on each page for examples “do you like cars?/do you hold an adults hand?” etc in order to relate to the reader. I also like the illustrations.
BUT in my opinion, the story has been diluted. As a white female, I am privileged to only know of refugees from the stories of others and what I see on the news, however, regardless of whether this is a children’s book, I feel that this story does not reflect the true fear and panic that come from leaving a country not by choice.

Especially in today’s climate, we should be projecting and presenting true, full stories to the impressionable minds of children rather than simplifying and almost trivialising the refugee crisis into a sort of holiday trip away?

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Name is Not Refugee is an incredibly powerful picture book aimed at both children and kids alike.

Kate Milner has done an incredible job breaking down the emotional, mental and physical complexities of the refugee experience into a bittersweet and poignant story for your children. Milner's narrative is short, but certainly not sweet, as the unnamed child narrator recounts what their mother has told him and the unusual activities, scenes, sounds and scents that he explores on his way to his new home.

The story is heartbreaking, but Milner has matched her illustrations and text perfectly, allowing the reader to get  a sense of hope and encouragement. Even the layout of the pages is perfect, with the images and text all large and with plenty of white space behind them allowing the story and illustrations to take center stage.

Although the story is gentle in its devastation, breaking down the situation into small bite-size chunks suitable for the really young, the title and final lines of this book pack one hell of punch for readers of all ages. It truly is a book that readers from all walks of life, all social-economic, religious and cultural backgrounds NEED to read.

I feel very strongly about this book, and feel like it belongs on every child's home library and in every classroom around the world.

I highly recommend My Name is Not Refugee to everyone.

This review was originally posted at The Never Ending Bookshelf and can be found here: https://wp.me/p3yY1u-1T4