Call number
6
Genres
Publication
SpeakOut Publishing (2016), Edition: 2nd edition, 32 pages
Description
Gervelie was born in the Republic of the Congo in 1995. This is the true story of her flight from her home in Africa to seek refuge in the United Kingdom and is told in her words. It is the honest and heartrending story of a family torn apart by war and their courageous decision to seek a life of peace in the West. Other titles in the series: Hamzat's Journey, Mohammed's Journey, Meltem's Journey This is the first book in an accalaimed series highlighting the true stories of refugee children. Chosen as a Scholastic Book of the Year and as an Outstanding International Book by USBBY. CLICK HERE
User reviews
LibraryThing member Kchiotti
Gervelie's Journey: A Refugee Dairy by Anthony Robinson is a great story that recounts the events that occured in Brazzaville, Repubic of Congo in 1997. The Point of view is from a young girl name Gervelie. She has been seperated from her mother and she flees the Republic of Congo to Europe to
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start a new life with her father. This is a great story that is really informative to young readers. Show Less
LibraryThing member Sullywriter
The first title in the Refugee Diary series.
LibraryThing member BrookeMattingly
Summary:
This book is the true story of Gervelie’s life as she moves all across Africa and finally to England. She tells the story in first person as she writes in her diary. Having been born in 1995 in the Republic of Congo, Gervelie and her family are split apart in 1997 when the Cobra militia
Comments (opinions/arguments):
I really liked that this was a true story and that it was written in Gervelie’s own words. I also liked that it was written in a diary style writing, hence the title ‘Gervelie’s Journey – A Refugee Diary.’ I think this makes the story feel more real for children because they will get a first person perspective from reading this book. As a child, my favorite books were always books that resembled other children’s diaries because I felt like they seemed more authentic and real. I really enjoyed Gervelie’s story because it not only told me about her and her family, but what it was like living through violent war times in Africa. I also felt that I could connect to the story better because the book consisted of illustrations, but also real life photographs of Gervelie, her family and the violence she witnessed. I think this story would benefit children because it’s a nice timeline of events that’s easy to follow. It tells about Gervelie’s life as she travels from place to place and has to live in different homes and go to different schools. For children moving isn't always an easy process and I think any child could relate to this story for that reason. Although this story’s purpose is to tell the events of Gervelie’s life, I think it is also meant to show children that even through rough times and moving around from place to place, that eventually it’s ok to be happy and feel safe. Gervelie shows the reader that although she felt scared moving all the time and making new friends, that she was ok once she got older and realized that it was more important to be happy and feel safe in her new environment.
This book is the true story of Gervelie’s life as she moves all across Africa and finally to England. She tells the story in first person as she writes in her diary. Having been born in 1995 in the Republic of Congo, Gervelie and her family are split apart in 1997 when the Cobra militia
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attacks their city. For years Gervelie moves many different times due to violence and unsafe areas. For a short time she lives with her mother, step father and little sister, but is ultimately taken from them because of the violence and attacks in their city. Gervelie moves with her father from the Republic of Congo, to the Ivory Coast, Ghana, across Europe and finally to England. Throughout her childhood, Gervelie travels through many different homes and schools. She never hears from her mother or baby sister again. Ultimately, Gervelie and her father make a home for themselves in Norwich, England, but are always fearful that they may have to move again. Gervelie is hopeful that she will grow up and get to see her family again, but tries to concentrate on her future. She hopes to one day get to travel to America, but she’s just happy to finally be safe. Comments (opinions/arguments):
I really liked that this was a true story and that it was written in Gervelie’s own words. I also liked that it was written in a diary style writing, hence the title ‘Gervelie’s Journey – A Refugee Diary.’ I think this makes the story feel more real for children because they will get a first person perspective from reading this book. As a child, my favorite books were always books that resembled other children’s diaries because I felt like they seemed more authentic and real. I really enjoyed Gervelie’s story because it not only told me about her and her family, but what it was like living through violent war times in Africa. I also felt that I could connect to the story better because the book consisted of illustrations, but also real life photographs of Gervelie, her family and the violence she witnessed. I think this story would benefit children because it’s a nice timeline of events that’s easy to follow. It tells about Gervelie’s life as she travels from place to place and has to live in different homes and go to different schools. For children moving isn't always an easy process and I think any child could relate to this story for that reason. Although this story’s purpose is to tell the events of Gervelie’s life, I think it is also meant to show children that even through rough times and moving around from place to place, that eventually it’s ok to be happy and feel safe. Gervelie shows the reader that although she felt scared moving all the time and making new friends, that she was ok once she got older and realized that it was more important to be happy and feel safe in her new environment.
Show Less
Awards
USBBY Outstanding International Book (Grades 3-5 — 2009)
Physical description
32 p.
ISBN
099546930X / 9780995469303