Gervelie's Journey by Anthony Robinson
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.
The heart of the book is one child's painful experience, simply toldCarousel 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
Anthony Robinson writes children's books and teaches. He has lived and travelled all over the world, from his original home in Australia to Asia, Southeast Asia and Europe, from Japan to Edinburgh, and now lives in Cambridge. He is keen to give a voice to the voiceless, be they refugees who have fled their own countries, children living normal lives in vastly different cultures, or children living in difficult circumstances. Annemarie Young writes books for children and works with educational publishers. She has lived and travelled all over the world, from her original home in Australia to Southeast Asia and Europe, from Egypt to Edinburgh, and now lives in Cambridge. She has worked with over 100 children's authors and illustrators from all corners of the globe. She loves the whole process of publishing, and still finds it exciting to open the first copy of one of the books she has written or worked on. June Allan was born in Edinburgh and can't remember a time when she didn't love drawing: in her pram, in lessons at school, in Art College, in teacher training college! She has illustrated many children's books. She still lives in Edinburgh with her husband, two children, three guinea pigs and lots of goldfish. To visit June Allan's website click here
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781847800046 |
| ISBN 10 | 1847800041 |
| Title | Gervelie's Journey |
| Author | Anthony Robinson |
| Series | Refugee Diary |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Quarto Publishing PLC |
| Year published | 2009-02-19 |
| Number of pages | 32 |
| Prizes | Winner of USBBY Outstanding International Book for Grades 3-5 2009, Commended for APA Design Awards: Scholastic Best Designed Children's Book 2008 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |