Don Brown has made his mark as a graphic novelist who conveys history and current events through electrifying and poignant journalistic stories. From the Ukraine War in his book 83 Days in Mariupol: A War Diary to the Syrian War in The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees Brown brings some of the most difficult subjects to life in a way that is captivating, personal and necessary.

Whether you have a history buff on your hands or are looking for an engaging way to infuse world-changing events into your kids’ curriculum, Brown’s new book and others like are perfect pick for young readers.

Run and Hide

Run and Hide: How Jewish Youth Escaped the Holocaust by Don Brown

With the impending threat of Hitler’s horrific reign, Jewish children throughout Europe are forced to make daring escapes. With only 11% of them surviving World War II, some run, some hide and all are forced to fight for their lives. From being stowed away in attics, to boarding England-bound trains to fleeing through snow-covered mountains, Brown uses his journalistic skills to portray the unimaginable lengths Jewish children went to to escape the horrors of the Holocaust.

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Begin Again

Begin Again: How We Got Here and Where We Might Go – Our Human Story. So Far. by Oliver Jeffers

World-renowned illustrator Oliver Jeffers takes a sweeping looking at humanity’s history from the beginning to today. In an all-ages, philosophical take on our journey as a species, he provides artful takes on our trajectory and poses the most important questions for every generation: Who are we? Where are we headed? How do we make it a beautiful future for all?

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The Boy From Clearwater

The Boy from Clearwater by Pei-Yun Yu (Author), Jian-Xin Zhou (Illustrator), Lin King (Translator)

In this true story, the tragic and triumphant history of Taiwan is explored through the eyes of a young boy. Told in two parts, the story starts in 1930s, Japanese-occupied Qingshui, despite all that is going on, Tsai lives a happy and somewhat ordinary life despite air raids and military parades. Flash forward to the 1950s and Tsai is arrested for joining a book club and put through a decade of torture and imprisonment before he finally finds freedom.

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Frontera

Frontera by Julio Anta (Author), Jacoby Salcedo (Illustrator)

Mateo is attempting to make a daring return home to the United States from Mexico, but as he inches towards home, Border Patrol is on his tail. With a narrow escape he still faces the dangers of the Sonoran Desert, alone and ill-prepared. The only companionship he finds is in a ghost named Guillermo who has ushered many migrants through the harsh terrain. Facing capture and death, Mateo must form an alliance with the spirit.

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Enlightened

Enlightened by Sachi Ediriweera

In this retelling of the life of Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism, readers get to know the prince who grew to one day become the Gautama Buddha. Kept inside a palace, Siddhartha was led to believe that he had the best of everything. However, he yearned to go outside. To understand the struggle and pain and reality of life beyond his walls. On this quest to discover the truth, a boy is transformed by the nature of human suffering.

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Courage to Dream

Courage to Dream: Tales of Hope in the Holocaust by Neal Shusterman (Author), Andrés Vera Martínez (Illustrator)

For a deeper dive into one of history’s most egregious atrocities, New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman explores the resilience and resistance of those who faced the Holocaust. Through a series of five interlocking stories, he dives into history exploring Jewish folklore and culture.

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