Gervelie's Journey: A Refugee Diary - Softcover

Robinson, Anthony; Young, Annemarie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1847800041 ISBN 13: 9781847800046

Publisher: Lincoln Children's Books, 2010

Synopsis

Gervelie was born in the Republic of the Congo in 1995. This is the true story of her flight from her home in Africa to seek refuge in the United Kingdom and is told in her words. It is the honest and heartrending story of a family torn apart by war and their courageous decision to seek a life of peace in the West. Other titles in the series: Hamzat's Journey, Mohammed's Journey, Meltem's Journey This is the first book in an accalaimed series highlighting the true stories of refugee children. Chosen as a Scholastic Book of the Year and as an Outstanding International Book by USBBY.

CLICK HERE

About this title

About the Author:

June Allan has illustrated many children's books. She lives in Edinburgh, U.K.

JULIAN ROBINSON is a graduate of the Royal College of Art and a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts. He worked for fifteen years as a professional fashion designer, with his own label and as a consultant, working with Sir Norman Hartnell, Yves Saint Laurent, Mary Quant and Zandra Rhodes.He worked as a lecturer at colleges and universities in the UK and Australia and is the author of numerous books including The Brilliance of Art Deco (1987), The Fine Art of Fashion (1989) and The Golden Age of Style (1983).

Review:

The heart of the book is one child's painful experience, simply told. Carousel What makes this stand out from other refugee accounts for primary classes is its bravery in presenting the events as unresolved. This true story follows Gervelie from war-torn Congo to asylum in Norwich via the Ivory Coast and Ghana. Sensitively written and illustrated, the little girl's story is told without softening, sentimentalising or seeking to shock. It ends with Gervelie telling us about her ambition to be a singer and the spirit of this girl - whose family is still split and residential status in the UK far from assured - is fascinating. A great book to use for PSHE and class discussions at any age. Truly remarkable. Scholastic Best Books of 2008 It relates with understated poignancy the true story of a young child fleeing militia attacks and civil war in west Africa. Illustrated by an evocative combination of photographs and watercolours, it offers a happy ending of sorts: Gervelie and her father are now settled in Norwich. Guardian Should help children to understand the plight of individuals in such political hotspots. Books for Keeps In the world of today, many young people will meet refugees in school or in their community. Books like this will help them understand the suffering such victims endure. Ibby Link This is a most timely book in that it highlights the traumatic experiences that individuals have undergone, compelling them to seek refuge in another country. The story is in Gervelie's own words complemented by superb colourful illustrations and photographs. Young readers would find this a readable and informative book: it would also be useful as stimulus material for KS2/3 pupils to promote understanding of the circumstances of refugees. School Librarian

About this edition

• Publisher: Lincoln Children's Books
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1847800041
• ISBN 13: 9781847800046
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Allan June