Exploring Important Issues: 5 Books to Get Young Readers Thinking

Stories are a great way for kids to step into someone elses shoes and begin to understand the different challenges that others may face in their daily lives. There are so many wonderful books that do this well and below are some of the books we have reviewed in 2019 that cover important issues for young readers. From refugees and detention centres to animal rights and the environment, get their brains ticking over with a book that will make an impact.

Detention by Tristan Bancks

What it’s about: Sima, a young refugee from Afghanistan, has escaped from an Australian detention centre, and she fears she will be sent back home. She seeks refuge in a nearby school but when Dan finds her hiding, alone and afraid he’s not sure what to do. He doesn’t believe children his age should be locked up – should he report her or should he help her?

Why we love it: Detention gives 11 + readers a more personal and relatable face on the story of refugees and detention centres. It encourages young readers to question what they would do if this was their reality and explores themes around what is morally right, when it’s important to show courage, and standing up for what you believe in.

11+ years

You Must be Layla by Yassmin Abdel-Magied

What it’s about: In her first fiction book for young readers, writer, broadcaster and award-winning social advocate, Yasmin Abdel-Magied, gives us the inspiring and hopeful story of Layla. A Sudanese teenager in Australia, Layla is curious, adventurous and determined to learn anything and everything she can about the world. Her family moved to Australia from Sudan when her mother, a doctor, was offered a position at a Brisbane hospital, and things have been very different ever since.

Why we love it: You Must Be Layla is a heart-warming story that will give young readers insight into the lives of migrants to Australia and the struggles with racism and identity that they grapple with.

12+ years

Sky by Ondine Sherman

What it’s about: After her mother’s untimely death, fifteen-year-old Sky moves from the city to a small Australian town to live with her aunt and uncle. She struggles to find the balance between fitting in at her new school, and being sincere in the pursuit of her passion for the environment.

Why we love it: Sky explores so many important issues for teens: the value of family and navigating friendships yet staying true to your values, along with respecting animals and the environment and looking at ways young people can contribute to change.

12+ years

Snow by Ondine Sherman

What it’s about: Sky has left all that has become familiar and important in her new life to travel to Alaska and get to know her father, Adam. It’s risky but she needs to know once and for all if there’s a chance of a relationship with him. He seems like a nice guy and she finds it difficult to reconcile the father that she is meeting now and with the self-centred man she has been told about by her mother. However he’s elusive about so many things including what he does for a living. Will Sky find it in her heart to trust her father and salvage a relationship with him? Will she also manage to stay true to her own values this time?

Why we love it: This is a wonderful series that not only explores issues around animal welfare but also standing up for your values, the importance of family and trust and loyalty to those you love. Many books for teens explore dark issues and while this series does place Sky in difficult circumstances the plots are hopeful and thoughtful and ultimately uplifting. They are also relatively fast paced so should hold the attention of teens who have so many other options vying for their attention.

12+ years

Songbird by Ingrid Laguna

What it’s about: Jamila has fled her home in Iraq to live in Australia, where a new school, new friends and a new language makes life complicated. Aside from all of this she is desperately missing her father and her best friend Mina who are both still in Iraq. When the school choir provides her with a place of belonging and comfort, Jamila must be careful not to cross the line when trying to hide her differences.

Why we love it: Reading Songbird together is a great way to start conversations with your children about topical issues, refugees, and to help create understanding around differences in culture and family. With themes around family, community and belonging, the book is also about finding what you’re good at and having the courage to pursue it.

8+ years