Escape: One Day We Had to Run . . .

by Ming Chen, Wah Chen, Carmen Vela (Illustrator)

CLING. Don’t let go. Hold tight. Never give up. FLY. Rev up. Lift off. Soar. PEDAL. Set off. Cycle. Pedal for your life. Throughout history, ordinary people have been forced to leave their families and homes because of war, famine, slavery, intolerance, economic and political upheaval, or climate change. These remarkable true stories of escape show how courageous people all around the world have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their flight to freedom. "An arresting collection of deep, accessible stories of people on the move"― Kirkus Reviews , STARRED "A remarkable and beautifully illustrated book which helps children understand what it’s like to be in someone else shoes. The extraordinary achievement is that it is still such a delight to read"― Emily Maitlis, BBC newsreader "A compelling and inspiring book that contains an array of personal accounts of heroic value, many of which aren’t included in elementary school textbooks. This will undoubtedly be an invaluable resource for educators and students alike"― Manhattan Book Review , 5 STARS "Highly recommended for ages 9 to 80!”― Reading Pebbles "Both inspirational and moving. The outcome of each story is full of hope with a focus on positive achievements and outcomes without making light of the difficulties faced"― North Somerset Teachers' Book Awards

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, History, Travel, Childrens, Biography, Social Justice

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 4, 2021

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this picture book tells 12 different stories of immigration and offers various reasons for someone needing to escape or leave his/her/their country. It also highlights in each story a verb that is crucial to the story, something it was necessary for refugees to do. While many countries are struggling what to do with the 60 million+ refugees in the world, and some folks seem to demonize refugees as criminals and so on, it is impossible to read this book and say that any of the stories make a weak case for safe-keeping, from Syria to Nazi Germany (where the authors of Curious George, the Reys, escaped to get their books published, a fave story) to

Flee, defy, fly, pedal, disguise, stowaway, and so on.

I am not saying these decisions are always easy for everyone--do we let in folks from Haiti after we let in folks from Afghanistan?--and we sometimes seem to make decisions based on national self-interest, but the excerpts from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights make it morally undeniable in the end: "Everyone has the right to seek in other countries asylum from persecution."

[Mary Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and inspiring book. The stories of courage here are timely and important for children and adults of all ages.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the authors use twelve action verbs, from cling and dart to swim and tunnel, to introduce people forced to leave their homelands and seek safety in other parts of the world. Although not in chronological order, the entries cover a diverse range of historical times and reasons for escaping. Scenes include runaway slaves escaping to freedom via the Underground Railroad, Hans and Margret Rey (and the manuscript for the first Curious George book) pedaling out of Nazi-occupied Paris, and Ioana Teitiota fleeing the rising waters of his Pacific Island due to climate change.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nonfiction picture book that shares brief stories about refugees and immigrants. The stories range over a long period of time and involve people of different nationalities, and the book is powerful without being preachy. I would have preferred it if the stories appeared in chronological order, and the dates only appear in the table of contents, not on a page heading. However, this is a great book and conversation-starter for kids, and it will also interest many adults.

[Alice Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful introduction to the plight of the refugee throughout history.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is a 3.5 for me. Inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this picture book tells 12 different stories of immigration and offers various reasons for someone needing to escape or leave his/her/their country. Ranging in time from 1745 when Charles Stuart fled Scotland for France disguised as a woman in 1745 all the way to 2015 when Syrians left their homeland for Greece aboard a dinghy. Although it is possible to generalize each of the vignettes to include many others like their subjects, the personal focus on one or two individuals reminds readers just how much of a difference one person can make in the world around him/her/them. The use of action verbs such as "cling," "sprint," "pedal," and "defy" as headings for each story adds to the vividness of the steps each individual took. I felt inspired by the story of Dr. Feng Shan Ho, a Chinese diplomat in Austria during WWII who issued 4,000 visas to Jews, enabling them to escape from the Nazi reign of terror. The illustrations that complement each one of these stories are stark, relying on dark colors with small touches of brightness and large, swooping shapes that fill the pages. There is also a map that shows where these escapes occurred, making it clear that individuals have moved from all over the world. A classroom discussion following a read of all the stories or even one would prompt deep reflection and perhaps a reconsideration of immigration.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book feels so unique and timely. Each page has a word that relates to escape and flights to freedom and then a short story about one example. Some of them will be familiar, the underground railroad for one, but most are not stories told in many picture books. Daring, inspiring and unbelievable, these are stories about the lengths people will go to in order to be safe and free. It feels most appropriate for elementary school kids, perhaps even upper elementary school, but a book infinitely worth reading and sharing.

[Kristin Guay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an informative, interesting, and inspirational book all wrapped in one beautifully-illustrated package. This book features 12 different personal stories of people or groups of people that were forced to flee their home or country in order to have a better life for themselves and their family. The stories span the globe including Eritrea, Cuba, China, and Mexico. One story includes two sisters who were fleeing from Syria and were forced to swim in the waters and guide a small boat filled with people to safety. Many years later, one of them competed in the Rio Summer Olympic Games as a swimmer. Another story includes a Chinese diplomat living in Austria who was able to provide Visas for over 18,000 Jewish families fleeing the German Gestapo. And another story that will appeal to many children in the story of Curious George creator Hans and Margret Rey and their four-day bike ride from Paris to Portugal fleeing the Nazi invasion. The artwork and manuscripts for Curious George were tucked under the arm of Hans Rey. There is also the story of the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman. Each story in this book has a unique title that provides a clue as to how the escape was successful--these include “Cling”, “Disguise”, “Sprint”, “Raft”, and “Tunnel”.

The illustrations provided by Carmen Vela are gorgeous and every single picture provides a feeling of movement from a place of danger and conflict to a place of peace and safety. Vela uses some interesting techniques such as darker colors of illustrations with sharper edges to show a negative environment and contribute to the feeling of urgency these people must have felt in their situations.

[Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title page reads:
"ESCAPE
ES-CAPE (verb)
To avoid a threatening evil."
Each of the twelve stories about individuals who escaped begins with another verb: cling, dart, defy, disguise, etc.

Many of these stories were new to me - a Chinese couple who tie themselves together and jump in a bay to swim towards Hong Kong and a Chinese ambassador in Austria who helped thousands of Jews flee the Germans. The stories are fascinating and I found myself searching the Web for more information on many of the people.

Each story is told in a two-page layout. Ming and Wah highlight the how more than the why; their writing is kid-friend, straightforward. Vela's illustrations are powerful--supporting and extending the text.

NOTE: There's a map near the beginning of the book that highlights where everyone is. I know the authors probably had to make some hard decisions about who to include but I was surprised that there were no stories from South America and only one from Africa. There are six stories that involve a European country. Not a deal breaker; instead I'd share the map with students and ask, "What do you notice?" This could also lead to additional research!

Escape can be a powerful text for reading aloud especially when thinking about Dr. Gholdy Muhammad's "criticality" (see her book Cultivating Genius). Lots of room for conversations around questions like: Who has the power? What should equity look like in society? What happens when that is missing? As individuals what are we truly in control of?
PAIR THIS TEXT WITH ADDITIONAL PICTURE BOOKS for some of these conversations:
*What is a Refugee? by Elise Gravel
*Yusra Swims by Julie Abery (actually tells the story of one of the figures in Escape)
*Mexique by Ferrada
*Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan by Williams
*Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

[Rukshan Mistry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a timely and inspirational book that both children and parents will learn from and deeply enjoy. It beautifully depicts how throughout history ordinary people have remarkably overcome war, famine, intolerance, even climate change, to find a better life. It allows children to appropriately and accessibly understand courage and determination. From Hans and Margret Rey to Prime Minister Jacinda Arden there are heroes on every page. Keep an atlas on hand when reading it and Escape segues wonderfully into a discussion about geography and pair it with a globe for a perfect gift for a special child in your life.

[Lydia Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an inspiring book! The stories are told in a way that focuses on the positives without glossing over the tough realities of each subject's situation. And the illustrations are vibrant and delightful. A much needed book for children and young adults right now!

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lanata Press holds as its subtitle "Because all people children deserve to see themselves in the books they read." This title by Lantana captures, single page stories, verbs associated with the escape from persecution in a flight to freedom. Each double-page spread is titled a verb and its definition ~~ escape, cling, dart, defy, disguise, flee, swim ~~ and a path to freedom ending in a destination associated with methods of escape. Included in each is a brief narrative story of phenomenal courage of individuals seeking escape and asylum. Two sisters jump off the side of their overloaded dinghy and drift alongside for hours in the frigid water to prevent the overloaded boat from capsizing. Unique but important stories of impact beyond religious and political conflict are also sited. Ione from the island Kiribati was granted asylum from New Zealand's prime minister and was the first person granted refugee status due to climate change. And a kid-appeal story tells the bicycle escape ("pedal") of the author of Curious George from WWII Nazi persecution.

And while many seek asylum even today, the U.S. does not escape the shame of persecution: included also is a story of the Underground Railroad ("stowaway") through which many slaves escaped to the north and Canada.

This title is easily accessible even to younger readers and makes a wonderful read-aloud for helping U.S. children understand the complex concepts of why so many people leave their country of origin to seek asylum.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twins Ming and Wan Chen introduce kids to 12 examples of why people choose to become refugees and immigrants to another country and how they managed their escape.

Opening with a definition of "Escape", the Chen twins organize their dive into history by naming twelve means that were used to escape a situation. A list of the means includes not only both the origin and destination, but also the dates these occurred. Some anecdotes feature one person's story while others share a group story. Also included in front is a map of the world with a rough pathway that was taken (though there is an error labeling 2 of the routes - Mexico to US and Cuba to FL). They include two sisters who clung to the side of a boat to escape Syria, Jewish people who sought refuge at the Chinese Consulate in Vienna, a prince who tried to capture his country's throne escaped by disguising himself as a woman, and the first legal climate change refugee. Backmatter includes the 13th & 14th articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Digital artwork by Carmen Vela is eye-catching and captures the feel of the text. Nicely done!

Bonus: Here is a link to a terrific interview of Ming and Wan and how they created this beautiful book: https://www.tripfiction.com/members-b...

Useful in classes discussing refugees, immigrants, and human rights.

Highly Recommended for grades 2-5.

[Kirsten - Children's Library Lady]

This collection of true stories highlights the resilience and courage of individuals worldwide who have faced and overcome daunting challenges in their search for freedom.

Escape: One Day We Had to Run sparks conversations about courage, resilience, empathy, the need for safety and freedom, the complexities of global issues, and seeking a better life.

Discussion Questions
What does "escape" mean to you after reading these stories?
How do the stories illustrate the idea of courage? Share an example from one of the tales.
Why is it important to tell and read stories about people facing difficult situations and seeking a better life?
How can learning about the experiences of others from different parts of the world develop empathy?
How do the stories in "Escape: One Day We Had to Run" show the importance of hope?
What can we learn about resilience and perseverance from the individuals in the book?

[PK]

One Day We Had to Run is an empathy-building, eye-opening patchwork of refugee experiences. Brief descriptions full of details bring us along by many means: raft, bicycle, walking, disguise, home-made airplane and more.

If your young reader is used to having a plot in almost every book, this will be part of seeing books differently. Nonfiction has its own power: reality.

(I am trying to wean myself away from star ratings, this is high scoring for the right audience and a bust for the wrong audience. Giving up stars is also pushing me to to write reviews... to say something that might be helpful instead.)

[Dan Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whimsically illustrated book will inspire readers of all ages with tales of courage, resilience, wit and humanity! A must for all classrooms and school libraries as a springboard for further discussion and research, history, geography, and social justice are woven into this fascinating collection of true stories. Escape has arrived at exactly the right time as we seek to understand and celebrate our diversity yet also reminds us of our interconnectedness and the indomitable strength of the human spirit.

[Margaret Whitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today, I just received my copy of this book, which tells 12 refugee stories from the mid-1700s to Syrian escapes in 2015. Through evocative illustrations and poetic words, each story poignantly captures the reason for the journey, the travel associated and life, often with promise, after the trip. This is an important addition, to any class for children from 7 or 8 and up. At the beginning of 2021, there were almost 100 million refugees or displaced people and close to half of them were children. This helps our children move through this world with compassion and understanding.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go deep into the meaning, challenge and struggle behind the words on the page.
'ES-CAPE (verb) - To avoid a threatening evil' brings 12 stories of courage, several of which I hadn't heard of before. Each page brings a verb, a taster, the story and empathic (often dark) illustrations. A brilliant resource, not only for talking about human rights, refugees and why people choose to flee their home but also the power of words and why we choose them.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately, throughout history, people have been forced to flee their families, friends, and homes due to war, famine, slavery, intolerance, economic and political upheaval, persecution, and climate change. There are 12 stories told in spreads about individual journeys made and concludes with how many other people tried to escape that same way. A brief introduction about refugees for younger elementary school students. Pair with Wishes or the graphic novel Illegal.

[Imogen McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! Definitely aimed at an older child (year 5/6). It takes away the stereotypes of refugees and what the world sees as 'typical' refugees and puts into perspective some of the possible reasons as to why someone may be leaving their country and how it has made them feel, also by reflecting this within the images and drawings. There are 12 short stories within this book, all different people, travelling to and from different places all for different reasons.

[Daphne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the format of this book; each page (illustrated beautifully) describes one method of escape and then one story of this kind of escape from an intolerable place. In just a few sentences, the authors capture an entire feel of a life as well as the urgency and consequences of all the characters' actions. Reading this book will grow your empathy muscle while pleasing all your senses.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that uses a series of verbs: dart, deft, disguise, flee, etc. to describe the stories of refugees throughout the past three hundred years. Excellent text and organization, culminating with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent collection of true stories about people who left their homes for a better life. Very powerful. Great classroom library resource for middle grades.

[McKinnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book of brave souls who risked their lives to flee devastation. All the anti-immigrant conservatives in the US should be forced to shut their mouths and read this book.

[Annese · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there were more sources and furthering readings included on the end pages.

[Nia Jacobsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful picture book of courage and triumph in the face of adversity

[Latasha Maggitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think this is a good book to read, especially for younger adults.

[BrookesEducationLibrarian]

This book is now available for loan from the SEC at Harcourt Hill Library.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking and inspiring picture book that tells refugee stories from throughout the world (and history). A timely and truly moving read that the whole family found really moving.