Book Description
for Out of Iraq by Sybella Wilkes
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Working for the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Sybella Wilkes has had a unique opportunity to interact with individuals whose lives have been disrupted and displaced by the war in Iraq. In this photo-essay she shares the voices and stories of Iraqi children, teens, and adults who are refugees within Iraq, or who have traveled beyond the country’s borders in search of safety. Wilkes provides essential background information on recent history in Iraq in introductory essays to each section of profiles, so that readers gain a basic understanding of life under the rule of Saddam Hussein, changes—for better and worse—brought on by the U.S.-led invasion, and the impact of the resulting civil war. These provide context for the personal stories that unfold and speak to fear, fragility, strength, resilience, and compassion on many fronts. Many color photographs, as well as reproductions of artwork created by some of the refugees, add a wonderful visual dimension to this volume. (Age 11 and older)
CCBC Choices 2011. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2011. Used with permission.