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)

"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.