A Christmas Goodnight

Reach for this book when your teenager is asking big questions about global conflict, the meaning of home, or how to maintain hope when the world feels hostile. Refugee Boy follows fourteen year old Alem Kelo as he navigates the complex UK foster care and asylum systems after being left there for his safety by his parents. It is a powerful exploration of identity, the weight of political borders, and the resilience required to build a life from scratch. While the subject matter is serious, dealing with displacement and loss, it is an essential read for developing empathy and understanding the human stories behind the headlines. It is best suited for mature middle schoolers and high school students who are ready to engage with realistic depictions of social justice and the immigrant experience.