Time to get ready for the weekend!
Kick up your feet and find a good place to read.
Sharing #booklove for your classroom or library.
Spotlighting a book or two because these books deserve the spotlight!
Yesterday I blogged about the upcoming book, Amina's Voice, which tells the story of a Pakistani American middle grade girl. Her story will be familiar to many, but also give a window into the Islam culture.
Another important window book, this time spotlighting the journey of a refugee family from Iraq.
Lost and Found Cat:
The True Story of Kunkush's Incredible Journey
by Doug Kuntz and Amy Shrodes
illustrated by Sue Cornelison
published by Crown Books for Young Readers
Goodreads summary
The true story about one cat’s journey to be reunited with his war-torn family has been seen by millions of people and is now a heartwarming picture book.
When an Iraqi family is forced to flee their home, they can’t bear to leave their beloved cat, Kunkush, behind. So they carry him with them from Iraq to Greece, keeping their secret passenger hidden away.
But during the crowded boat crossing to Greece, his carrier breaks and the frightened cat runs from the chaos. In one moment, he is gone. After an unsuccessful search, his family has to continue their journey, leaving brokenhearted.
A few days later, aid workers in Greece find the lost cat. Knowing how much his family has sacrificed already, they are desperate to reunite them with the cat they love so much. A worldwide community comes together to spread the word on the Internet and in the news media, and after several months the impossible happens—Kunkush’s family is found, and they finally get their happy ending in their new home.
This remarkable true story is told by the real people involved, with the full cooperation of Kunkush’s family.
My quick thoughts
What I liked about this book is it gives readers a window into what it would be like as a refugee from a country - we take our homes and safety for granted. What would it be like to leave your home, your country, and only take one bag of necessities (food and water - clothing will have to be replaced later)? What would it be like to not just get in your car and drive, or go to the airport to take a flight? And what about a beloved family pet?
While the refugee crisis seems to be at a high right now, I like how this book concentrates on the love of a family and the desire to stay together. It gives us glimpses of what it would be like to have to leave your home, without going into some of the atrocities that really are facing the refugees. This is a good book to use to start the conversation with young readers about how not everyone is safe and the importance of your family.
Let's change the thinking of this generation. Let's talk about kindness and thinking of others. It's time to make a difference.
This book keeps popping up everywhere, Michele! It sounds like my kind of book. I will put a request in my library's suggest a title program since they don't own it. Thanks for the reminder!
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