Out is a story told from the eyes of a young girl who is looking back on her asylum seeker journey.
“I feel different. It’s the way people stare. I’m called an asylum seeker, but that’s not my name”
The story begins with the un named girl and she is telling us the story of how she came to be here. From being from their home country to the boat journey.
“I’ve seen horrible things, they’ve shown be what it is to be brave/ Brace is waiting and believing in your heart that everything will be okay”.
It is a powerful emotional book that although has quite dark themes, is also filled with light and hope. It teaches children and any adult reading in the most simple way what it is like to be an asylum seeker.
I liked the simplicity of the story, and the fact it is written from the childs perspective. The illustrations are lovely and suit the story well. I liked how all the other asylum seekers aren’t really shown – and are only sketches, while the girl and her mother are in colour. It is emotive and strong and powerful and a book that every family should read so they can better understand what these people go through. Although they are different, they still want the same things we want.
“When we drive to the beach, I remember the boat. But now, with the smell of the ocean and the taste of the salty air, I feel safe… I feel free”
The ending of the book is filled with hope and almost made me tear up.
An important book that everyone should read – one that will raise important conversations with children who need to understand this better. Highly recommend this award winning book – will suit older children who can deal with tougher issues.
Title: Out
Author and Illustrator: Angela May George & Owen Swan
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Published: 2016
Ages: 5+
Ragamuffin Books 