Book Reading Campaign
Read a book this World Refugee Day
UNHCR and Children’s Books Ireland invite people to borrow or buy a book from their local library or bookshop during the annual refugee book reading campaign
As libraries and bookshops begin to reopen around the country, UNHCR and Children’s Books Ireland are inviting children and young people to read a book about refugees this World Refugee Day on 20 June.
With a record number of people around the world forced to flee in search of protection, UNHCR and Children’s Books Ireland’s specially selected book list for young readers means readers will have a wide selection of stories to choose from, including stories of refugees in the form of fact, fiction, autobiography and photography.
New authors on this year’s list include the “Poet Laureate of Twitter” Brian Bilston and his beautifully illustrated Refugees, as well as new titles such as Lubna and Pebble, which was selected by Time magazine as one of the top 10 Young Adult and Children's Books of 2019. This curated list also contains work from well-known Irish artists including Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick, Eoin Colfer, PJ Lynch, Patricia Forde, Jane Mitchell, Kevin Kiely and Alan Titley.
“As protests and rallies against racism take place all over the world, there has never been a more important time to remind ourselves that we are all equal in dignity and rights, and that those who are persecuted because of their beliefs or characteristics – including their race – have a right to be protected.” Enda O’Neill, Head of Office at UNHCR, Ireland.
“In an unprecedented time of global struggle, we are proud to partner with UNHCR to ensure that refugees’ stories are heard. We hope that our recommended books will encourage children and young people to read widely and that the stories will inspire empathy and hope when they are most needed.” Elaina Ryan, CEO Children’s Books Ireland.