Refugee : the diary of Ali Ismail

My Australian Story #20

by Alan Sunderland

Fleeing persecution in Afghanistan, Ali Ismail eventually finds himself held in a detention centre in the South Australian outback. For twelve months he endures hardship and despair while he waits to find out whether he will be allowed to stay in Australia. Includes historical note about asylum seekers in Australia.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Diary, Childrens, Middle Grade

215 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Molly]

This entire series is a wonderful way to learn history or teach it to adolescents. I find today's generations seem to recall more when they learn through other people (pop songs, celebrity gossip, etc.), so what better way to teach history than through someone else's perspective? Yes, "authentic" diaries would be "better", but would the language really hold the modern student's attention? Did the diary writer know what WOULD be important in the context of history? Probably not.

[Jo Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to give children a realistic idea of what it might be like to have to leave your country. Ideal for those with a "send them back" mindset (or perhaps those whose parents hold that view....)

Easy to read, sad in places and certainly improved my understanding of the processes, and circumstances that people such as Ali face.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy oh boy this went down an absolute treat in the classroom. The links to real-life events are endless, and trust me- this will inspire amazing thoughts from young minds. Fits in well with a literacy focus of diary writing.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 5 star book.
This book gave me a clear passage to work through finding out all of the sad and happy things that happened to him being a refugee!
I strongly reccomend this bookt to everyone

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real eye opener which gives you great insight into what refugees go through.

[Joe Greenaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about refugees and all the things they go through. An eye opener for everyone

[Gelila Workineh]

i havent read it yet but i have to read it

[Ashleigh]

Read this for school and it was great and really changed my perspective on Refugee's.

[Obaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WANT TO READ IT COME ON MATE

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ali Ismail escapes Afghanistan and comes on a boat to Australia.

[Tor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenchingly eye opening

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a 12/13 year old, such an incredible read. Highly recommend it to everyone it will enhance your understanding of the struggles faced by refuges and war torn families.

I remember just sobbing almost felt like it was my family being torn apart. Made me appreciate my privileges' a lot more and not take them for granted.

[Sha'ila Jehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-changing.
Eye-opener.
I read this memoir when I was around 8-9 years old in one sitting. I can still remember how he described the time when we were hiding in the back of his father's butcher's shop as the Taliban argues, then kills his father right before his eyes.
All I can say is that this story is moving, and I recommend this diary to people of all ages.

[Sammy McGregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving tale that makes you think about the plight of people coming to our country. It's such a hard position to be in, and there's no easy answer to the problems faced!