When Saoussan immigrated with her family from war-torn Lebanon, she was only seven years old. This picture book tells the story of how she had to adjust to her new home in Canada. She describes the frustration of not understanding the teacher when she started school, not knowing how to ask to go to the bathroom, and being terrified of a Hallowe’en skeleton. This is the perfect book to help kids empathize with immigrant children whose experiences are very similar to Saoussan’s.

El reconocido narrador ROBERT MUNSCH ha escrito decenas de libros para niños, entre ellos: Paper Bag Princess y Mortimer. Él vive con su familia en Guelph, Ontario.

Robert Munsch's profile page

Saoussan Askar was born in Lebanon during the civil war, and immigrated with her family to Toronto in 1989. From Far Away was first published when she was in grade five.

Saoussan Askar's profile page

Rebecca Green is an illustrator whose work has a home in young adult and chapter books. From Far Away is her very first picture book.

Rebecca Green's profile page

• Joint winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre

“[An] ultimately hopeful real-life story.” —Kirkus Reviews, 07/15/17

Kirkus Reviews

“An important story to make students empathize with the challenges newcomer children face. It can also assure newcomer children that they will learn English and adjust to a new way of life.” —Canadian Review of Materials, 12/01/17

Canadian Review of Materials

“[A] still-relevant refugee story, especially helpful as a conversation starter.”—School Library Journal Xpress, 10/17

School Library Journal

“The timing of this reissue is spot on . . . [recommended] for all school and public libraries.” —Resource Links, 12/17

Resource Links

“This story remains very relevant.” —Gathering Books, 11/27/17

Gathering Books