Forced to Flee: Visual Stories by Refugee Youth from Burma

by Erika Berg

A single narrative image can tell the story of a thousand words. In Forced to Visual Stories by Refugee Youth from Burma, 196 full-color visual stories with thought-provoking captions, six hand-painted maps and 64 photographs bridge language and cultural barriers that have shielded the outside world from haunting, humbling and awe-inspiring truths behind Burma’s decades-long civil war. Offering a unique child’s-eye view of the country’s human rights issues and ongoing struggle for a just and inclusive peace, the life stories in this book serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who have been forced to flee violent conflict and persecution in their native land and the transformational power of art. This timely, visually-arresting and deeply personal book honors the stories of refugees who have been denied their most basic rights, stories of trauma, resilience, courage and irrepressible hope. Supported by the book’s “Bridging Divides” epilogue, “Ways to Help” appendix and dynamic website, refugee youths’ powerful visual “voices” open hearts, build bridges of understanding and inspire compassionate action. For a preview of Forced to Flee, please visit the book’s dedicated www.burmavisionsforpeace.org 100% of the royalties from the sale of the book will be donated to youth leaders promoting human rights and peaceful coexistence in and along the borders of Burma, also known as Myanmar.

212 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2015