Families who loved The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees by Don Brown often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your teenager begins asking difficult questions about global headlines, human rights, or the reality of the refugee experience. It provides a vital bridge between abstract news reports and the lived reality of families who have had to flee their homes due to the Syrian Civil War. Through a documentary-style graphic narrative, the book explores themes of resilience and survival while maintaining a deeply empathetic lens. While the subject matter is heavy, it is essential for fostering a global perspective and civic awareness in adolescents. It is an honest, unflinching look at a modern crisis that helps teens move from passive observation to active empathy and understanding. It is best suited for middle and high schoolers who are ready for a realistic, sophisticated look at world history.
