Grade 6 Historical Fiction Research: Sudanese Refugees

Examines the geography, history, people and culture, politics, and economy of Sudan, discusses the Darfur crisis, and looks at what it is like to live in Africa's largest country.

Ataui and her family live in South Sudan. They have never known what safety feels like. When she and two siblings leave their home, they don't know that they will never return. After spending many years in a refugee camp, Ataui arrives as a refugee in Canada, where she faces new challenges. Interspersed with facts about South Sudan and its people, this narrative tells a story common to many refugees fleeing the country. Readers will learn about the conflict there and how they can help refugees in their communities and around the world who are struggling to find permanent homes.

Describes the civil war and Darfur conflict in Sudan through the correspondence of two young people.

When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. This ancient proverb of the Kikuyu people, a tribal group in Kenya, Africa, is as true today as when the words were first spoken, perhaps thousands of years ago. Its essence is simplicity--when the large fight, it is the small who suffer most. And when it comes to war, the smallest, the most vulnerable, are the children. When Elephants Fightpresents the stories of five children--Annu, Jimmy, Nadja, Farooq and Toma--from five very different and distinct conflicts--Sri Lanka, Uganda, Sarajevo, Afghanistan and the Sudan. Along with these very personal accounts, the book also offers brief analyses of the history and geopolitical issues that are the canvas on which these conflicts are cast. When Elephants Fightis about increasing awareness. For the future to be better than the past, better than the present, we must help equip our children with an awareness and understanding of the world around them and their ability to bring about change. Gandhi stated, "If you are going to change the world, start with the children."

Sudanese Garang is eight when he returns to his village and finds that everything has been destroyed. Soon, Garang meets other boys whose villages have been attacked and they unite, walking hundreds of miles to safety - first in Ethiopia then in Kenya. The boys face numerous hardships along the way, but their faith and mutual support help keep the hope of finding a new home alive in their hearts. Based on heartbreaking yet inspirational true events, this is a story of remarkable and enduring courage, and an amazing testament to the unyielding power of the spirit.

When relief workers bring used clothing to a refugee camp in Pakistan, ten-year-old Lina is thrilled when she finds a sandal that fits her foot perfectly - until she sees that another girl has the matching shoe. But soon Lina and Feroza meet and decide that it is better to share the sandals than for each to wear only one. The girls discover the true meaning of friendship and sacrifice. "Four Feet, Two Sandals" honors the experiences of refugee children around the world, whose daily existence is marked by uncertainty and fear.