Marwan's Journey

Cleverly combined text and illustrations help take readers on a journey, where a young Marwan flees his war-torn homeland in search of a better life. Complex themes such as isolation, loss, and sadness are brought to light through simple language, engaging illustrations, and figurative language that make the book accessible for primary students. The story lends itself well as a read-aloud or for independent reading and may be suitable for broaching discussions around reasons for immigration, emigration, and about national identity. In the classroom, the book’s topics and themes could segue into an exploration of war and its impacts, family history, and cultural differences. Also, its watercolour illustrations can highlight how the use of colour and style can portray the mood in a story.