The phrase 'asylum seeker' is one we see in the media all the time. It stimulates fierce and controversial debate, in arguments about migration, race and religion. The movement of people from poor or struggling countries to those where there may be opportunities for a better life is a constant in human history, but it is something with particular relevance in our own time. This collection of short stories shows us people who have been forced to leave their homes or families to seek help and shelter elsewhere. Some are about young people travelling to other countries, others are concerned with children left behind when parents are forced to flee. These are stories about physical and emotional suffering, but also about the humanity of some people from richer countries who act with generosity and sympathy.

Accolades

Shortlisted for UK Literacy Association Book Award: Ages 3-11 2008.

Author Biography

Tony Bradman was born in London in 1954. After university he worked as a magazine journalist, and began reviewing children's books when he became a parent. He published his own first children's book in 1984, and since then has written over 160 books for children of all ages, from picture book texts and poetry to teenage fiction. He has also edited 40 anthologies of short stories and poetry for children. His latest books are a collection of re-tellings of classic stories, The Orchard Book of Swords, Sorcerers and Superheroes; three titles in a series for top juniors called Tales of Terror - Final Cut, Voodoo Child and Deadly Game (all Egmont); and Skin Deep, an anthology of short stories about racism (Puffin) Tony is chair of the Children's Writers and