One Day We Had to Run!

by Sybella Wilkes

Refugee children from Somalia, the Sudan, and Ethiopia share their feelings in a poignant, uplifting anthology, compiled by a U.N. relief worker, about the strength of the human spirit.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sybella Wilkes compiled this book in conjunction with Save the Children and the United Nations, and she writes introductory material to each of the three countries focused on here. Most of the text and all of the artwork, however, are by the refugee children themselves, as they try to express what they endured and continue to endure as refugees. The three countries focused on are Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia, with Rwanda touched upon briefly at the end. This book was written in 1994, and I know that the situation hasn't changed in any of these countries (except for Rwanda) since then. I would love to know how the children featured here are doing now. What struck me particularly is that most refugees would go back to their own countries if they could. People in the U.S. and other countries that take in refugees often tend, I think, to see these people as invaders, taking away jobs and housing, and getting free aid from the government. If they could only know what these people have been through, and how much they have suffered and lost, they might be more welcoming and sympathetic. I hope Wilkes' work with refugee children and art continues. Recommended for all readers!

[Ihab Fadhil · Rating 5 out of 5]

هذا الكتاب من الكتب المؤثرة حيث اثر بي وبصورة خاصة الطفلة التي تحدث عنها الكتاب وكذلك قصة الطفل الثالث التي ابكتني كثيراولكني علمت فيما بعد ان كل معاناتهم قد انتهت

[Inka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very informative and very interesting. It gave a great insight to the world in which we live and the struggles that some go through. There were many personal stories that were very powerful. Highly recommend!

[Linda Watt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it is an older book from the 90's it has great stories and the art work by the kids is really good. Beautifully written with history of these countries..