Library News

Refugee Week

In June, the library commemorated Refugee Week, and we have purchased new titles by authors who came to Australia as refugees. They detail the life and experiences of these authors in detention centres and refugee camps to titles showcasing their contribution to fictional literature through vivid storytelling. We hope these books can give you some perspective on what coming to Australia can be like for some, and inspire you to realise what you can truly accomplish in life.

The Happiest Refugee:

Anh Do is a comedian, artist and also one of the highest-selling Australian authors of all time, with total book sales approaching 3 million. Anh’s first book, "The Happiest Refugee", is his enormously popular memoir recounting his perilous childhood journey in a tiny boat from war-torn Vietnam to Australia. The book became an instant hit and has won numerous awards including Australian Book of the Year.

Subhi is a refugee. Born in an Australian permanent detention centre after his mother and sister fled the violence of a distant homeland, Subhi has only ever known life behind the fences. But his world is far bigger than that—every night, the magical Night Sea from his mother's stories brings him gifts, the faraway whales sing to him, and the birds tell their stories. And as he grows, his imagination threatens to burst beyond the limits of his containment. The most vivid story of all, however, is the one that arrives one night in the form of Jimmie—a scruffy, impatient girl who appears on the other side of the wire fence and brings with her a notebook written by the mother she lost. Unable to read it herself, she relies on Subhi to unravel her family's love songs and tragedies. Subhi and Jimmie might both find comfort—and maybe even freedom—as their tales unfold. But not until each has been braver than ever before.

Teenage Refugees Speak Out:

This powerful and award-winning oral history series will greatly supplement your history or religion studies. This series, produced by Rosen Publishing, aims to educate teens about the lives of their peers who’ve grown up in other countries. Australian teens from most ethnic backgrounds can find an account from one of these relatable to themselves or a relative, and can provide unique perspectives on Australia’s early multicultural roots.