In the past decades, thousands of Afghan children and their families have faced displacement and immigrated to foreign countries to build a new life. At Room to Read, we know that books have the power to help young readers develop resilience and better understand the world around them.

In Pakistan, books titles include a a diverse selection of stories, chosen from Room to Read’s global book collection by individuals local to Pakistan, including representatives from the book creator community and the Ministry of Education. While some stories touch on themes related to friendship, bravery, happiness and play, others are intended to offer respite for children experiencing stress and looking to comprehend new life changes.

To support recently resettled Afghan families and children in the United States, Room to Read will be distributing its 12-book Afghan Children’s Book Collection to communities in California, Oklahoma, Texas and Virgnia with a large population of immigrant and refugee Afghan children. 

Titles selected for distribution to Afghan children were originally created for Syrian refugees in Jordan and authored and illustrated by creators from Jordan, Palestine, Syria and the United States. Books were selected for the collection from members of the Afghan community in the U.S. and adapted and translated into Dari and Pashto in consultation with Afghans living in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States.