Where Will I Live?

Perfectly written for young children to understand, “Where Will I Live” promotes compassion and understanding.

This book works effectively against the very real problem of dehumanizing of refugees, and it helps a child get a handle on an abstract concept by presenting it from a child's perspective. I like the way much of the book is written in the form of a series of questions, very much the way children sound. The use of photos supplied by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees concisely represents a global problem affecting families in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East; but unlike so many gruesome shots we see in newsfeeds today, some of these show children playing and making friends, and these were the ones my kids were most engrossed in. Rather than making the issue appear greater, more prevalent or closer to home what this book offers is a chance for parents to talk about what we can all do to help - by being a friend, offering a welcome, having empathy.

I read this book with my 9-yr olds, and we all give it 2 thumbs up. Rather than shielding kids from distressing current events, I think some issues, like the refugee crisis, are worth discussing; and Rosemary McCarney's little collection of images was a great way to get a conversation started - and by that I mean I got a chance to listen to what my kids already know about the subject.

Title: Where Will I Live?
By: Rosemary McCarney
Genre: Nonfiction
Interest Level: K-3
Review by: Liz Kilibarda

Each night many of us watch the news and see the unsettling images of war and tragedy. Too often, we forget that innocent children are also trapped in this violence yearning for a safe place to live. “Where Will I Live?” by Rosemary McCarney, effectively shows our youngest readers that children all over the world want many of the same things: a home, warmth, food, and safety.

McCarney includes beautiful photographs and simple text to convey these basic needs. Each photograph includes the country of origin in italics. This book is an excellent, age appropriate look at the plight of children in war torn areas. Pair “Where Will I Live?” with the author’s previous book, “The Way To School” which illustrates the lengths some students must go through to get to school.

Just as she did in The Way to School, Rosemary McCarney captures the experiences of children around the world in Where Will I Live? McCarney, Canada's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the U.N., spotlights countries around the world where refugees have been displaced due to war and conflict. What a scary experience, especially for children.

McCarney's photographs capture both the uncertainty and fear of the children, and the joy and optimism that many share. Even in the worst of circumstances, children still forge friendships with their peers and find time to play. Most kids never have to endure the kinds of experiences the kids in Where Will I Live? go through. For that vast majority of children (and adults) Where Will I Live? provides colorful examples to inspire us to be thankful for national and residential stability. More importantly, McCarney inspires us to think about how we, individually and as a nation, might be able to help refugee families.





Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!