The Syrian refugee crisis has uprooted over two million children, many of whom have found refuge in Australia.

This exodus has become the focus of a large number of fiction books for young adults and many of these have been published in Australia.

Almost all of them aim to humanise the ongoing conflict in a non-frightening way for young readers.

Ranging from picture books aimed at toddlers to short novels aimed at secondary school kids; there is story suited to everyone.

Some of the stories explore precarious journeys of refugees navigating their way through war zones controlled by extremist groups, whilst others focus on the celebration of multiculturalism, strength and resilience.

By providing young readers with simple protagonists, they are able to give children a perspective in regards to what many arriving refugees have been through in an empathetic and relatable manner.

Mem Fox launched a new book called ‘I’m Australian too’ just before Refugee Week.

The book is a cheerful and whimsical picture book celebrating multiculturalism and exploring cultural diversity in modern Australia.

Having grown up in Africa, Mem Fox recognises the importance of knowing ones origins and validates the fact that regardless of where you have come from; ”we are all equally Australian”.

While this rhythmic picture book appreciates that all the people who have come here have helped to make Australia “the lovely place it is”, it also screams on behalf of refugees, ‘longing for a kinder Australia’, she says.

She throws back to the Australia that existed before racist politics and media influences created detestable images of many inspiring people who populate this land.

Irena Kobald and Freya Blackwood explore migrant challenges such as newcomers’ sense of displacement using their picture book published in 2014, ‘My Two Blankets’.

This immaculate Australian children’s book relates the story of Cartwheel who has just arrived in a new country holding on to a safe place for herself under an old blanket made out of memories and thoughts of her old home.

As time goes on, Cartwheel begins to weave a new blanket of friendship and a renowned sense of belonging.

Whist the new blanket may be different from the old one; it eventually feels just as warm and familiar symbolising her assimilation and resettlement in a way that young readers can acknowledge.

Australian writers Freya Blackwood and Margaret Wild’s ongoing determination to ensure that young children engage and acknowledge with the trials and tragedies of others, have brought us ‘The Treasure Box’ (2013).

Penguin Books Australia describe it as a “celebration of all things that cannot be destroyed by bombs or fire”.

The story centres around Peter and his father fleeing their home with a treasure box holding things more precious than expensive Jewels.

Similar to Kobald and Blackwood’s ‘My Two Blankets’, the treasure box also symbolises Peter’s previous friends, family, culture and familiarity.

Unfortunately throughout their journey of rain, mud and long cold nights – their survival becomes more important than their possessions.

At the end of the book, as years go by Peter never forgets his home and sets off to find his treasure box. Effectively, the authors capture the strength and resilience of the human spirit as Peter continues to fight the horrors of war, injustice and loss leaving young readers in deep reflection.

Recommended for an older audience, and as part of the ‘Through My Eyes’ book series which discusses contemporary conflict zones, Prue Manson has written the latest addition called ‘Zafir’ (2015) from the perspective of a 13 year old protagonist.

Using Zafir’s young character, readers become educated and witness the beginnings of the deadly and devastating Syrian civil war.

His character is portrayed as an endearing warrior with courage and resilience allowing young readers to connect with his vulnerability in the most difficult life journey.

Lyn White, the series editor of the ‘Through My Eyes’ says  that “Zafir’s story is a tribute to thousands of Syrians whose cries for freedom led to a war that has become one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time.”

Prue Mason has decided to donate a portion of the sales proceeds to UNICEF promoting and protecting the rights of children.

Inspired by the Syrian refugee crisis, many Australian writers have come together in order to educate, influence and involve young readers on the unflinching war of oppression and the journeys of those displaced by war.

Exploring migrants and refugees’ challenges using a relatable child’s perspective empowers reader’s empathy towards newcomers in Australia whist also capturing the importance of strength and resilience.

Magy Mekhaiel