If You See a Bluebird

A former Afghan refugee, Ali, finds comfort in spending time with his grandmother, Nana, and reminiscing about their old home. When they spot a bluebird, Ali wishes to go back to Afghanistan, but Nana teaches him that home is not a physical place but the love his family shares. Bahram Rahman's book, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard, explores the experiences of former refugees and their journey to adapt and find a new sense of belonging.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 32 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Pajama Press

For young Ali, a former refugee from Afghanistan, "home" is where his family is together.

Although his family is safe in their new country, Ali finds himself wishing he could go back to Afghanistan. A day spent picking blackberries with Nana reminds him of their old house with the mulberry tree he loved, and the day the soldiers came. He recalls their nighttime flight and the crowded buses and airplane that took him to this beautiful but unfamiliar place.

When Ali and Nana spot a bluebird, she tells him to make a wish. Ali wishes to go home, but, as he comes to learn, home is not a place. Home is the love his family has for each other.

In If You See a Bluebird, Bahram Rahman, author of ALA Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book A Sky-Blue Bench, reflects on the experience of former refugees as they learn to adapt and embrace a new country and a new home. Award-winning illustrator Gabrielle Grimard incorporates rich and varied colour palettes to capture Ali's two worlds.

A story of family togetherness that redefines the meaning of home.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 238 x 263 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781772782844