Out of Iraq: Refugees' Stories in Words, Paintings and Music

"Somehow she has managed to write a book that is both emotional and complex, but one that children are draw to. . . . This is an important book. It gives us all a better understanding of the lives of refugees and, with that, a better understanding of the world in general." —UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie Since 2006, hundreds of thousands of Iraqi refugees have fled to other countries—particularly neighboring Syria and Jordan—where many of them are still waiting for the time when they feel it is safe to return home. This book provides, in words and pictures, what life was like in Iraq before they left, why they were forced to flee, and how they feel about life as a refugee. Their stories are set against background information about Iraq, Saddam Hussain's rule, the invasion, and the subsequent civil war. The role of the United Nations High Commissions for Refugees (UNHCR) is outlined, and ideas for using the book in the classroom are also included.