If you liked Michael Morpurgo’s The Kites Are Flying…
… and are looking for a couple more books which bring recent conflict to the attention of children, we recommend you try reading these:
Deborah Ellis: The Breadwinner
The Breadwinner is based on the true-life stories of women in Afghan refugee camps. Taliban rule means that 11-year-old Parvanna finds herself confined to home in Kabul. Until, that is, her father is kidnapped and she is forced to disguise herself as a boy to become the family breadwinner. It’s a moving and compelling story which brings light for younger readers the situation in Afghanistan.
Beverley Naidoo: Journey to Jo’burg
Banned by the apartheid government in South Africa when it was first published in 1985, Journey to Jo’burg remains a classic. It’s the story of two children’s courage and determination as they travel to Johannesburg to find their mother and bring her home. Along the way the grim realities of apartheid face them at every turn. It’s a moving and eye-opening story which will raise awareness of the prejudice that lingers in some parts of this supposedly colour blind world.
Michael Morpurgo's The Kites Are Flying