"Dreamers" by Yuyi Morales

Ages 4-8

A beautifully illustrated, autobiographical story of a mother and child migrating to the U.S., celebrating resilience, creativity, and the power of libraries.

"The Day You Begin" by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López

Ages 5-8

Encourages children to share their stories and celebrates the courage it takes to start in a new place where you may feel different.

"Lubna and Pebble" by Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Daniel Egneus

Ages 4-8

A gentle, moving story about friendship, displacement, and comfort in the face of uncertainty, centering on a refugee child.

"Lost and Found Cat" by Doug Kuntz and Amy Shrodes, illustrated by Sue Cornelison

Ages 4-8

True story of an Iraqi refugee family whose beloved cat becomes a symbol of hope and reunion.

"Lost and Found Cat" by Doug Kuntz and Amy Shrodes, illustrated by Sue Cornelison

Ages 4-8

True story of an Iraqi refugee family whose beloved cat becomes a symbol of hope and reunion.

"Four Feet, Two Sandals" by Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed

Ages 4-9

Two girls share a single pair of sandals in a refugee camp, highlighting friendship, generosity, and life in transition.

"Where Will I Live?" by Rosemary McCarney

Ages 5-8

Through photographs and simple text, this book invites readers into the lives of children fleeing war and disaster.

"Marwan’s Journey" by Patricia de Arias, illustrated by Laura Borràs

Ages 6-9

A poetic story about a child’s harrowing migration journey, infused with hope and memory.

"The Journey" by Francesca Sanna

Ages 6-10

Captures the fear, uncertainty, and courage of a refugee family as they flee war and seek safety.

"Mama’s Nightingale" by Edwidge Danticat, illustrated by Leslie Staub

Ages 6-9

A story of separation and advocacy, as a young girl whose mother is detained writes to bring attention to her family’s story.

"A Different Pond" by Bao Phi, illustrated by Thi Bui

Ages 5-9

A quiet father-son fishing trip reveals layers of immigration, war, and hard work as part of family life.

"A Different Pond" by Bao Phi, illustrated by Thi Bui

Ages 5-9

A quiet father-son fishing trip reveals layers of immigration, war, and hard work as part of family life.

"My Two Blankets" by Irena Kobald, illustrated by Freya Blackwood

Ages 4-8

A story of language, culture, and making new friends while adjusting to life in a new country.

"Imagine" by Juan Felipe Herrera, illustrated by Lauren Castillo

Ages 4-8

Former U.S. Poet Laureate shares his immigrant journey with lyrical text and vibrant art.

"I'm New Here" by Anne Sibley O’Brien

Ages 5-8

Follows three children from different parts of the world as they adapt to a new school and language.

"Home is In Between" by Mitali Perkins, illustrated by Lavanya Naidu

Ages 5-9

A child navigates between the traditions of her Bengali heritage and her new American life.

"The Paper Kingdom" by Helena Ku Rhee, illustrated by Pascal Campion

Ages 4-8

Based on the author’s experience as the child of immigrants working night jobs, this is a story of imagination, dignity, and family.

"Most People" by Michael Leannah, illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris

Ages 4-8

An uplifting reminder of kindness and welcome, especially important for children who may feel afraid.

"Adrift" by Marjolaine Leray (User requested)

Ages 5-9

A haunting tale told through images and minimal text about a child alone on the sea, seeking safe harbor.

"A Journey Toward Hope" by Victor Hinojosa and Coert Voorhees (User requested)

Ages 6-10

Follows the true stories of four unaccompanied minors fleeing Central America and seeking asylum in the U.S.

"Migrant" by José Manuel Mateo, illustrated by Javier Martínez Pedro (User requested)

Ages 6-10

Told in a codex-style accordion format, this is the story of a boy who journeys from Mexico to the U.S. with his mother.

“Where Are You From?” by Yamile Saied Méndez (Author), Jaime Kim (Illustrator)

Ages 4-8

A young girl, tired of being asked “Where are you from?”, turns to her abuelo for help—finding instead a lyrical exploration of identity, heritage, and belonging. (Parents for Diversity)

“Refuge” by Anne Booth

Ages 4-8

A retelling of the Christmas story from the perspective of a donkey whose family flees to Egypt—an accessible introduction to themes of exile, shelter-seeking, and divine presence. (BookTrust)

“A Kids Book About Immigration” by M.J. Calderon (Author)

Ages 6-10

An illustrated introduction to immigration concepts—why people move, what they face, and how communities respond—making the discussion of migration accessible for young readers.

“What Is a Refugee?” by Elise Gravel (Author)

Ages 5-9

A nonfiction picture book that explains, in simple and child-friendly terms, the meaning of “refugee”, the reasons people become refugees, and what hope and home can look like.

"Tani’s New Home: A Refugee Finds Hope and Kindness in America” by Tanitoluwa Adewumi (Author), Courtney Dawson (Illustrator)

Ages 5-10

The true story of Tani Adewumi, who fled persecution in Nigeria with his family, found refuge in America, and—even while homeless—discovered chess, became a champion, and experienced kindness on his journey to belonging. (Barnes & Noble)

“We Are Immigrants” by Carolina Fernandez (Author), Alyssa M. Gonzalez (Illustrator)

Ages 4-8

A vibrant celebration of immigrants and the rich contributions they bring—cultural heritage, language, music, and community—encouraging pride and empathy.

“Areli Is a Dreamer: A True Story” by Areli Morales (Author), Luisa Uribe (Illustrator)

Ages 5-9

Written by a DACA “Dreamer” herself, this story shares Areli’s journey of arriving from Mexico, navigating a new school and language, and discovering that despite being labeled “undocumented,” she dreams and belongs.

“Who’s Allowed In? The Story of Borders & Immigration: Who Decides Where We Can Live and Why It Matters (Politics for Kids)” by Adam Clark (Author)

Ages 8-12

An informative, age-appropriate book on borders, citizenship, migration policies, and the question of who gets to decide where people live—grounding children in contemporary issues of movement and belonging.

"Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhhà Lai

Ages 9-12

In free verse, a Vietnamese girl flees Saigon and adjusts to life in Alabama. Winner of the National Book Award.

"Esperanza Rising" by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Ages 8-13

A Syrian girl moves to the U.S. and navigates identity, belonging, and hope through free verse.

"Refugee" by Alan Gratz

Ages 10-14

Three refugee stories—Nazi Germany, 1990s Cuba, and modern Syria—intertwined in an unforgettable novel.

"The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani

Ages 9-12

Told through letters, this novel explores the Partition of India through the eyes of a half-Muslim, half-Hindu girl.

"Front Desk" by Kelly Yang

Ages 8-12

A Chinese immigrant girl helps manage a motel and discovers her voice through activism and empathy.

"A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park

Ages 10-13

Based on a true story of a Sudanese Lost Boy and a girl in modern-day Sudan, connecting the need for water and safety.

"The Only Road" by Alexandra Diaz

Ages 10-14

A Guatemalan boy and his cousin travel to the U.S. to escape violence. A story of courage and resilience.

"Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year" by Nina Hamza

Ages 8-12

A funny, heartfelt story of a desi boy adjusting to a new town, racism, friendship, and growth.