Voice for Refuge - (Our Stories Carried Us Here) by Zaynab Abdi (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Zaynab was born in Somalia and raised by her grandmother in Yemen, where they experienced a simple but beautiful life before unrest came to the country. Follow Zaynab as she flees to Egypt with her sister. Feel the love she is greeted with in America when she joins her mother and two sisters she has never met. Watch her grow as an advocate as she takes on the leadership opportunities within high school and university. Upon meeting Malala Yousafzai, and speaking at the United Nations, she becomes a voice for refuge.

"In America I found MY REFUGE, and my education. Now I use MY VOICE and speak out in order to promote more justice in the world." - Zaynab Abdi

The stunning black ink drawings come from the pen of Egyptian born artist Ashraf El-Attar. Voice for Refuge will be a powerful addition to classrooms and school libraries, expanding their collections to include the voice of Black, Muslim, Middle Eastern immigrant girls and women.

Review Quotes

"... journey filled with sorrow and trauma yet, when she finally settled in Minnesota, she found purpose and opportunity through hard work and activism, speaking at the United Nations about girls' education in Yemen." - Kirkus starred review

Abdi's remarkable journey from Somalia to Yemen to Egypt and to the United State is essential reading for anyone interested in the human face of multiple displacements. Her encounters with revolutions, wars, and quests for social justice, as well as with arbitrary immigration regimes that separate families speak of courage, persistence to overcome obstacles, and opportunities to grow and learn. -- Daniel Naujoks, Director, International Organization and UN Studies Specialization, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, author of "Migration, Citizenship, and Development"

Refugees had lives before war or famine disrupted them and gave them this label. Their lives didn't start with their displacement. This graphic novel is a powerful visual, a beautiful mosaic of art and personal stories reminding us of who people were, how they were building their lives, their dreams, goals, and aspirations. -- Nausheena Hussain, Community Leader, Former Executive Director of Reviving Sisterhood, 2016 Bush Leadership Fellow

Storytelling is perhaps the most powerful development tool of all times. Zaynab, an incredible and effective social entrepreneur and storyteller, uses her own personal journey to inspire ideas and aspirations any country should aim at pursuing in their development goals. With this graphical and very engaging book Zaynab offers a critical contribution to help build a sense of belonging among migrant children.-- André Corrêa d'Almeida, Development Economist, Professor, Inventor, Founder, Author at Columbia University

This book is a must-read. Whether you are an immigrant, refugee, or native-born who never lived anywhere else but the place where you were born, you will be able to find part of yourself in this book. On a human level, all readers will be able to relate to Zaynab's story of sickness, the loss of a family member, and loneliness. But, the book goes further. Zaynab is leading us from the unrest in Somalia, Yemen, and Egypt to the protests on the streets of America. How do you stay safe and strong? The answer for this author is education.

This is a book of resilience, perseverance, and a strong spirit of a determined young woman to fight for herself and other marginalized people. In the end, this book celebrates education. Zaynab turned her life around by studying hard and never giving up. -- Zana Milovanovic, Learning Specialist, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York

This book is a treasure. With honesty and kindness, it gives a voice to young newcomers to this country. In this political climate of insecurity and hostility, my students are reassured and heartened by these stories. I am grateful to have these stories as teaching artworks, told and illustrated by understanding and genuine voices of immigrants and artists. Every story shared by Green Card Voices is a guiding map of hope for a better future. -- Olja Stipanovic, Teaching Artist, Language Acquisition through Art and Storytelling Specialist at LaGuardia College International High School, New York

This book will inspire readers of all ages to challenge themselves and make a difference in the world. There are many challenges in our daily lives, yet Zaynab's courage and tenacity serve as motivation to lead social change. -- Dr. Artika R. Tyner, CEO, Planting People Growing Justice Press, Author of Justice Makes a Difference: The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire and The Inclusive Leader: Taking Intentional Action for Justice and Equity

Through the amazing illustrations and storytelling of this graphic novel, Zaynab Abdi brings the reader along her personal journey that stretches three continents, multiple revolutions and numerous triumphs and tribulations. This book offers readers the opportunity to engage with a powerful story in the hope of building empathy and understanding among communities across our world. -- Chris Stoltenberg, Career and College Coordinator, Wellstone International High School

Voice for Refuge is a powerful story that portrays the challenges many immigrants and refugees might overcome when faced with tragedy. What I love most about this story is how Zaynab had complete control over her narrative and gave readers an authentic insight into what life might have looked like as a displaced child immigrant. Zaynab using her voice to stand up and fight against injustice might inspire many young readers to persevere and stand up for what's right, no matter how challenging it might seem. I feel many can relate to this story as I have. -- Mariam Mohamed, Educator, Mentor, owner of Worthy Words and Author of Ayeeyo's Golden Rule, What I Wish You Knew about My Cousin Ali, Eid Al-Adha, Hyena and the Fox: A Somali Folktale, Minneapolis Minnesota

Zaynab's story shows that the bonds of family and a passion for justice can't be bound by borders. What's even more incredible than her journey is her capacity to make every place she visits better than when she arrived. Her resilience, generosity, and strength will resonate deeply with readers of all backgrounds and is a powerful counter-narrative to mainstream coverage of immigrant experiences. --Amy Mars, Librarian, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, Minnesota

About the Author