Blackout!
Blackout!
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by Sumayyah Hussein (Ruqaya's Bookshelf)
An engaging chapter book that will allow children to explore some of the lived experiences of refugees. Through this exposure, this book will foster a sense of gratitude for everyday blessings that the reader may take for granted.
Yusuf’s cousin Ahmed is a Syrian refugee. After the death of Ahmed’s father, Yusuf’s parents work hard to bring Ahmed and his mother to Canada. When the paperwork finally goes through and they’re on their way to Toronto, Yusuf is very excited! He spends hours making sure everything is perfect for the arrival of his cousin Ahmed and plans to teach him all about life in Canada. But when an ice storm hits during Ahmed’s first night and cuts off power for three whole days, Yusuf realises that he’s the one with so much to learn.
100% of the author's profits from this book will be going to the Syrian Canadian Foundation‘s mental health and wellness initiative for Syrian newcomers.
Recommended ages: 8+ years
Format: 70 Pages, paperback
For an independent review, visit the following link.
View an interview with the author, and a reading of the book, below:
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Wonderful book for kids to gain an understanding on the plight of refugees. It’s written in a such a way that it’s fine for sensitive readers/listeners, but helps cultivate empathy and gratitude.
Wonderful book for kids to gain an understanding on the plight of refugees. It’s written in a such a way that it’s fine for sensitive readers/listeners, but helps cultivate empathy and gratitude.
This chapter book deals with a very serious and real situation. Ahmed is a Syrian refugee who has lost his father and is now moving to Toronto to stay with his 12-year-old cousin Yusuf. Yusuf is excited for Ahmed’s arrival and prepares in advance to welcome him and to teach him about life in Canada, but does not count on welcoming him without electricity – which is what happens when an ice storm hits his town and there’s no electricity for three days. Yusuf finds himself also learning about life during the blackout.
My husband and I usually explain to our son the reality of war in other countries (sans the gory details), just to make him aware of what is happening and to appreciate what he has. However, this book was able to do that since it was very well-written and engaging, eliciting empathy from the reader.
This chapter book deals with a very serious and real situation. Ahmed is a Syrian refugee who has lost his father and is now moving to Toronto to stay with his 12-year-old cousin Yusuf. Yusuf is excited for Ahmed’s arrival and prepares in advance to welcome him and to teach him about life in Canada, but does not count on welcoming him without electricity – which is what happens when an ice storm hits his town and there’s no electricity for three days. Yusuf finds himself also learning about life during the blackout.
My husband and I usually explain to our son the reality of war in other countries (sans the gory details), just to make him aware of what is happening and to appreciate what he has. However, this book was able to do that since it was very well-written and engaging, eliciting empathy from the reader.