Struggling to explain child refugees to your little one? This book will help

All of us were shocked and horrified beyond belief when we saw the news and harrowing images of refugee children in the US recently. Torn so suddenly from their parents, crying and worse, some held in cages thanks to Trump's administration. This was the result of a 'law' that forcefully separated immigrant children from their parents. We can barely put in into words ourselves, so naturally, trying to explain what these children are going through to our own kids is always going to be a challenge. 

To help, bestselling children’s author Cathy Cassidy’s latest book, Sami’s Silver Lining tells the touching story of a Syrian refugee, Sami, who attempts to begin a new life but struggles to overcome the pain of the past. Memories of the long and dangerous journey across icy waters, armed with only his dad's old coat, a flute and the hope of a brighter future, are never far away for this brave young boy. 

In what is a very insight into the refugee experience, it's a book ideal for helping to explain a tough topic; it teaches children empathy, as well as helping children who have been through these traumatic experiences not to feel alone.

Cathy spoke to us about her journey through writing the book, writing about refugees for children and why Sami's story was the most distressing. 

1. How did Sami's Silver Lining initially come to you as an idea?

Slowly! I've known for a long time I wanted to write about a Syrian refugee character… I've followed the crisis with growing horror over the last few years. I wanted to help, but at the time we were caring for our two elderly mums, so going to Greece and getting involved in a grassroots way didn't seem possible. A story idea began to grow, about a boy who played the flute, a kind of modern Pied Piper character… a boy who hid beneath a big, tattered overcoat with a grey satin lining.

2. What made you decide that this story, in particular, would be one to have a main character that was a refugee?

Sami's Silver Lining is book two in my new Lost & Found series, about a bunch of teens who accidentally form a band. Love From Lexie was the first. My publisher wanted a series and I wanted to write about the boy with the flute… it seemed a perfect way to tell his story but balance out the trauma he's been through with scenes of how he is starting to fit in, make friends and make music now he is finally in the UK. Sami narrates the story and we see how things are going for the band, but we also get into Sami's head and heart and begin to understand what he has been through.

3. Tell us about the inspiration for Sami?

A few years ago, every paper in the UK had the tragic photos of the drowned Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdy on their front pages, yet a few weeks later, the tide of support and empathy seemed to turn. Many people wanted to help, but the government and many of the papers were telling us it wasn't possible, wasn't safe to help these people; that refugees were a threat, a danger. This made me feel so upset, so helpless. I started to research the story, started to put myself into the shoes of a refugee child.

4. What personally did you find challenging when writing about refugees for children?

Sami's Silver Lining was hands down the most distressing book to write. I wanted to be honest and real about his story, but I had to temper some of the experiences he goes through as I thought they'd be too much for my readers. Still, the story is emotional and many kids are emailing me to say it has changed the way they think about refugees, that they understand now. I had to place Sami's journey a couple of years in the past, as so many countries have now closed their borders or brought in policies to deport asylum seekers… that was grim. If Sami had attempted his trip now, he could never have made it to safety. 

"…All of us need the courage to speak up for what is right."

5. Was there anything that surprised you while writing about it?

Talking to Syrian refugees as part of my research, I was bowled over by their generosity, patience, gratitude and spirit. I was in awe of them. I wanted to give Sami a happy ending, too, and managed to work out a way to do that – so the book is emotional but ultimately uplifting! This book was a labour of love, and it has enabled me to help grassroots refugee charities in a practical way, too so that's pretty amazing!

6. What do you hope young readers and parents take away from the book?

A better understanding of what it might be like to be in Sami's situation… and perhaps a desire to help.

7. Refugees, particularly child refugees, are being seen and discussed on a world stage thanks to recent events in the USA in particular, what would you advice be to those who are looking to explain this topic to their own children?

Once we begin telling ourselves that asylum seekers are a threat, a danger, somehow less than human, we can turn away from terrible, terrible actions and convince ourselves those things are necessary but asylum seekers are human beings just like us. My mum used to have a saying – 'There but for the grace of God go I,' and it's something I've never forgotten. None of us knows what life has in store for us, and if we see someone struggling, surely we have to reach out a hand of friendship, not turn away? Kids understand this instinctively. What's happening in the US is terrifying and wrong; a human in danger has a right to claim asylum. They are not breaking the law by asking for help. It could be you… it could be me. These are 'interesting' times, and all of us need the courage to speak up for what is right.

Sami’s Silver Lining by Cathy Cassidy is published by Puffin, priced €15