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1. "The Journey" by Francesca Sanna :

This beautifully illustrated book follows a family's journey as they flee their war-torn homeland in search of safety and a brighter future.

2. "My Name is Sangoel" by Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed: A story about a young Sudanese refugee who struggles to adapt to his new life in America while holding onto his identity.

3. "Grandfather's Journey" by Allen Say: A man recounts his grandfather's life story of leaving Japan to explore America. Through stunning illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, this book conveys the bittersweet emotions of leaving one's homeland and the enduring connection to one's roots. It emphasizes the universal desire for a sense of place and belonging.

4. "The Map of Good Memories" by Fran Nuño: Through the eyes of a young girl forced to leave her home due to war, this book explores the importance of memories and the resilience of the human spirit.

5. "The Whispering Cloth: A Refugee's Story" by Pegi Deitz Shea: Through the art of Hmong story cloths, this book tells the tale of a young girl's escape from Laos to America and the power of creativity in overcoming adversity.

6. "The Journey" by Francesca Sanna: A beautifully illustrated book that follows a family's harrowing journey to escape war and find safety, highlighting the resilience and courage of refugees.

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How do the characters' backgrounds and experiences influence their perceptions of their new home and their hopes for the future?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Osy2tKV66v8

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Where and Why Do People Move? Crash Course Geography #32

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TIJUANA, Mexico -On a child's first day at the Yes We Can World Foundation school, he or she gets two T-shirts, new shoes, and a backpack filled with school supplies. The school is for migrant kids from Central America and Mexico. They have left their homes and traveled north with family to legally ask for in the U.S.

JAIME JOYCE FOR TIME FOR KIDS

But the U.S. has a new policy. It's called the Migrant Protection , or MPP. It says Central Americans must stay in Mexico as their cases are decided in U.S. Immigration Court (see "Border Crisis"). In the past, they could wait in the U.S. MPP doesn't apply to Mexicans. They must stay in Mexico too but are put on a waiting list to ask for asylum.

Now thousands of asylum seekers are stuck in Tijuana and other Mexican border cities (see map). People are working to help them as they wait.

Safe Spaces to Learn

The Yes We Can World Foundation school is in Tijuana. It opened in July. The school has 45 students. Lessons are taught in a bus. The bus has been turned into a classroom. Students and their families live in an overcrowded shelter next door.

"There is no difference between our kids and kids in the U.S.," Estefanía Rebellón tells me. She's the school's cofounder. "Their whole world, their life, is moving. We're the part."

In October, a group from California donated a second bus. This will allow the school to include 30 more kids. "It's so awesome to see how kind people can be," Rebellón says.

OMAR MARTINEZ-GETTY IMAGES

The Schoolbox Project also helps kids in Tijuana. It's led by volunteers from a group called Border Angels. They go to three shelters each week and help 150 kids. "We try to make a space of safety and trust with the children," says coordinator Andrea Rincón.

I went to a shelter with the volunteers. There, I met a girl from Honduras. Her name is Michelle. She's 17 and wants to be a doctor. Michelle told me violence forced her family to flee. "It's very, very dangerous," she said about her country.

A New Beginning

In rare cases, migrants might wait in the U.S. as their asylum case is decided. At a shelter in San Diego, California, I met Rina Murillo. She has three sons. They are 14, 10, and 4. Murillo's family also fled Honduras. "We suffered hunger, cold, and heat" on the journey, she told me.

The family was getting ready to live with a in Atlanta, Georgia. The older boys will go back to school. I asked 14-year-old David if he was excited. " Mucho [very much]," he said. Science is one of David's favorite subjects. He looks forward to a fresh start in the U.S. "All the sacrifice was worth it because we are here now," he said.

Other young migrants stay positive, even as they wait in Mexico. Elizabeth, 6, is from Guatemala. She goes to the Yes We Can school. She dreams of being with family in the U.S. "When I cross into the U.S., I'm going to eat ice cream," she says, "and play with my cousin."

MAPS BY DREW WILLIS FOR TIME FOR KIDS

Border Crisis

At least 900,000 migrants have come to the U.S.-Mexico border since October 2018. The U.S. government calls it a " and security crisis." In response, the U.S. has created the Migrant Protection Protocols, or MPP.

The government says MPP "will help restore a safe and orderly immigration process." It says Mexico will give migrants humanitarian protections. MPP began in January. Since then, more than 50,000 migrants have been made to wait in Mexico.

But Human Rights Watch says MPP puts people at risk. Crime is common in some Mexican border towns where migrants wait.

Waiting in Mexico also makes it hard for migrants to meet with U.S. lawyers. "What's really going to make a difference in an asylum seeker's case is good legal representation," Lea Bush says. She works with Jewish Family Service of San Diego. Last year, the group helped more than 17,000 asylum seekers.

Looking for the cover quiz? After you sign in, click on the Resources tab to search Teaching Resources for printable versions of all our quizzes.

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TIJUANA, Mexico -On a child's first day at the Yes We Can World Foundation school, he or she gets two T-shirts, new shoes, and a backpack filled with school supplies. The school is for migrant kids from Central America and...

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1. "The Name Jar" by Yangsook Choi: Explores the challenges of fitting in and finding acceptance in a new country through the story of a Korean girl.

2. "Mama's Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation" by Edwidge Danticat: Follows the story of a young girl whose mother is detained for not having the correct immigration papers.

3. "The Lotus Seed" by Sherry Garland: A story of resilience and hope as a Vietnamese grandmother carries a lotus seed with her through her journey to America, symbolizing the preservation of culture and traditions.

4. "The Arrival" by Shaun Tan: "The Arrival" is a unique and wordless graphic novel that depicts the immigrant experience through the eyes of a man who leaves his homeland to seek a better life for his family. Through intricate and evocative illustrations, readers are transported to a fantastical world filled with strange creatures, unfamiliar landscapes, and the challenges of starting anew in a foreign land. This visually stunning book offers a powerful and immersive exploration of the universal themes of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of a brighter future.

5. "The Only Road" by Alexandra Diaz: A powerful novel that follows two Guatemalan siblings as they embark on a dangerous journey to the United States, shedding light on the realities faced by many immigrant children.

6. "The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon: The book provides a range of perspectives on immigration, exploring the challenges, hopes, dreams, and complexities faced by immigrants in their pursuit of a better life. Through the characters of Natasha and Daniel, Yoon delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of immigration, shedding light on the personal journeys and experiences of those who leave their homelands in search of a new beginning.

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1. "Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhha Lai: A novel in verse about a young girl's experience as a Vietnamese refugee in America.

2. "The Keeping Quilt" by Patricia Polacco: Celebrates the diversity of immigrant experiences through the story of a family quilt made from immigrant clothing.

3. "The Bone Sparrow" by Zana Fraillon: "The Bone Sparrow" by Zana Fraillon is a powerful novel that explores the life of a young Rohingya boy named Subhi who was born in an Australian immigration detention center. Through Subhi's eyes, readers witness the harsh realities faced by refugees and the longing for a better life beyond the confines of the camp. Fraillon's poignant storytelling captures the resilience and hope that drive individuals to seek a brighter future despite overwhelming odds.

4. "The Turtle of Oman" by Naomi Shihab Nye: In "The Turtle of Oman" by Naomi Shihab Nye, readers are transported to the world of Aref Al-Amri, a young boy preparing to leave his home in Oman to move to Michigan with his family. Nye beautifully portrays the bittersweet emotions of leaving behind familiar surroundings while embracing the promise of new beginnings. Through Aref's journey, the novel highlights the universal themes of adaptation, cultural identity, and the quest for a better life.

5. "The Land of Forgotten Girls" by Erin Entrada Kelly: Erin Entrada Kelly's "The Land of Forgotten Girls" follows the story of Sol and Ming, two sisters navigating life as Filipino immigrants in Louisiana. The novel delves into themes of family, resilience, and the power of imagination in overcoming adversity. Kelly's narrative sheds light on the challenges faced by immigrant families and the enduring hope for a brighter future that sustains them through difficult times.

6. "The Distance Between Us" by Reyna Grande: The Distance Between Us" by Reyna Grande is a memoir that chronicles Grande's experience growing up in Mexico and later immigrating to the United States. Grande's candid account explores the complexities of family separation, cultural identity, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Through her personal story, Grande offers a poignant reflection on the sacrifices and struggles inherent in the immigrant experience.

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1. "Seedfolks" by Paul Fleischman - Explores how a diverse group of immigrants and refugees come together to transform a vacant lot into a community garden.

2. "Dreamers" by Yuyi Morales - A visually stunning book that shares the author's personal immigration story and the power of libraries in building community.

3. "The Day You Begin" by Jacqueline Woodson

Jacqueline Woodson's "The Day You Begin" is a picture book that celebrates diversity and the courage to embrace one's unique identity. Through the eyes of a young girl navigating a new school where she feels like an outsider, Woodson captures the universal desire for acceptance and belonging. The book resonates with readers of all ages, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in bridging cultural divides.

4. "The Color of Home" by Mary Hoffman

"The Color of Home" by Mary Hoffman tells the story of Hassan, a young Somali refugee adjusting to life in a new country after fleeing the civil war in his homeland. Through Hassan's artwork, readers witness his journey of healing and self-expression as he grapples with memories of loss and displacement. Hoffman's narrative underscores the transformative power of art in processing trauma and finding solace in a foreign land.

5. "The Unforgotten Coat" by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Frank Cottrell Boyce's "The Unforgotten Coat" follows the tale of two Mongolian brothers, Chingis and Nergui, who immigrate to England and befriend a local girl named Julie. The novella explores themes of friendship, cultural exchange, and the impact of migration on young minds. Boyce's narrative weaves together elements of folklore and contemporary issues, offering a unique perspective on the immigrant experience through the eyes of children.

6. "The Wall" by Eve Bunting

"The Wall" by Eve Bunting is a poignant picture book that addresses the impact of immigration through the eyes of a young boy visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The story reflects on the emotional weight of separation, loss, and remembrance experienced by immigrant families affected by war. Bunting's evocative prose and illustrations convey a message of empathy and solidarity in the face of adversity.

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What obstacles do the characters face in their pursuit of a better life, and how do they overcome them?

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How do the characters' cultural backgrounds shape their interactions with others and their sense of belonging in their new environment?

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What role do family, friends, and other immigrants play in helping the characters adapt to their new lives?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_l6TyDudk8

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It Wasn't Easy Growing Up As An Immigrant

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What Is Culture, According to Kids?—Milton Hershey School

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Building COMMUNITY 💜 in the Classroom | Classroom Management 🍎

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Biscuits and chocolate gravy are breakfast food in Arkansas. Immigrants from Somalia, in Africa, make meat-stuffed pastries called sambusas in Minnesota. In North Dakota, bees produce about 34 million pounds of honey a year. These are among the delicious little nuggets in United Tastes of America: An Atlas of Food Facts & Recipes from Every State!, by GABRIELLE LANGHOLTZ. She spoke with TFK 's Jaime Joyce.

How did you do the research for this book?

Well, you might say I've been doing the research my whole life. I had been to all 50 states before I started the book. As a kid, my family moved all around. I was born in Indiana. We lived in Kentucky, California, Alaska, Oklahoma, New York, and Virginia. I now live in Pennsylvania. Both my parents were college professors. Their approach to life was always, "Let's just go see and do all of the things with our kids." Everywhere we went, it was like, "Let's taste this crazy barbecue! Let's go to this Texas steakhouse!" We tried seal blubber in Alaska. Food was always a big part of exploring and experiencing on the way to and from national parks.

What do you hope kids take away from reading this book?

I hope kids take away that America has regionalism and diversity. When you go to different parts of our big, beautiful country, you have different experiences, different people, different geography, different history, and different cultures and customs. Through food you can learn about all those things.

COURTESY PHAIDON

Can you give examples of some fun things you learned in your research?

I learned so many fascinating things! A few examples: People in Florida eat alligator, people in Maine eat moose, and people in Colorado eat rattlesnake! Chicago hot dogs are covered in just about everything-except ketchup! And Idaho donuts are made even more delicious by a secret ingredient: mashed potatoes.

For those kids who may be going on a road trip this summer with their families, what are some foods that you want to make sure kids try?

It depends on where you're going, but I find that seafood, or freshwater fish, is pretty spectacular no matter where you go. If you're up in New England, it's lobster, but also clams and scrod and cod and chowder. And then you come down to Maryland and it's crab legs that you eat on the shore. And oyster po'boys in New Orleans.

Also, paw paw. If you go to Indiana or Ohio, find the paw paw. This is a fruit that tastes like banana times passion fruit. You can't buy it in a store, or even in a farmers' market. It's almost forgotten. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington grew it. It's so delicious!

COURTESY PHAIDON

You've traveled all over the country. You've been to all 50 states. You've lived in many of them. Is there anything that was really new to you?

I love learning about Arizona. There's a whole bunch of super ancient agriculture there. In Virginia, peanut soup. That was a fun one. Buttermilk pie [from South Carolina]. Love that one. I love this Guamanian chicken salad that I got from my childhood friend who's from Guam. She gave me her mom's recipe. You can cook your way through this book if you want to, but I hope people will just enjoy reading it, traveling while sitting on their sofa.

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Biscuits and chocolate gravy are breakfast food in Arkansas. Immigrants from Somalia, in Africa, make meat-stuffed pastries called sambusas in Minnesota. In North Dakota, bees produce about 34 million pounds of honey a year. These are among the delicious little...

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We've put together a handy guide full of essential advice for settling in as an international student. Whether you're looking to make friends, feeling homesick or you're just curious about UK culture, we'll walk you through ways to approach these challenges.

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Tips for Settling In - International Students | Unite Students

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Navigate through uni life in the UK with our guide for international students. Learn how to tackle homesickness and settle into the unique British culture.

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Sammie Vance, 14, knows there's nothing worse than feeling left out. For years, she's been helping kids who feel lonely make friends. "There was one little boy at school, younger than me," she told TIME for Kids. "He would see me in the hallway and give me a thumbs-up, to tell me that what I was doing helped him."

What she was doing was running the Buddy Bench program. She started it at her school, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, when she was in the third grade. The idea was simple: Anyone who was feeling lonely could sit on the "buddy bench." Then other kids knew someone needed a friend.

COURTESY SAMMIE VANCE

"It's really helpful to have other people be able to notice you," Sammie says. The idea quickly caught on. The bench brought kids together. Since then, Sammie has helped communities all over the country set up buddy benches. "It means a lot to me," she says, "that this is making a difference in people's lives."

Building A Bench

Sammie got the idea for the Buddy Bench program at summer camp in 2017. She presented the idea to her principal, but getting approval for the project was just the first step. "There have been a lot of small challenges, like money," Sammie says. She needed to reduce costs. And she needed the bench to be eco-friendly.

COURTESY SAMMIE VANCE

Sammie decided to make the bench out of recycled material. She rallied her community. They gathered bottle caps.

Word of the project got out. Soon, Sammie was getting caps from all over. They came from people in all 50 states. She got some from Germany, the Netherlands, and other countries. In the end, she collected more than 1,200 pounds of bottle caps and she turned to a company called GreenTree Plastics. They upcycled them into three benches.

COURTESY SAMMIE VANCE

Sammie says the effort has helped her. "I used to be really, really shy," she says. "I'm definitely more outgoing now." She has also learned to respect her limits. She knows when to take breaks.

Making a Difference

Now Sammie helps other schools. She has donated more than 200 benches. They're at schools and parks all around the country. "We recently got a bench in Ghana, Africa," she says. "That was cool."

COURTESY SAMMIE VANCE

Sammie's work shows that helping people in your community can start at any age. "You don't have to be an adult to make a difference," she says. Even small acts of kindness can be powerful. "It can make someone's day and lead to a chain reaction," she says. "You never know. Just be kind, in general."

Feeling Inspired?

Next month, we'll feature kids who are fighting food insecurity. Could you be one of them? Click here for ideas on how you can ease hunger in your community.

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Sammie Vance, 14, knows there's nothing worse than feeling left out. For years, she's been helping kids who feel lonely make friends. "There was one little boy at school, younger than me," she told TIME for Kids. "He would see...