Refugee Boy Author: Benjamin Zephaniah

Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah is a moving and timely tale of displacement, resilience, and hope. The story follows Alem Kelo, a young boy of mixed Ethiopian and Eritrean heritage, caught between the violent conflict of his divided homelands. In a desperate act of protection, Alem’s father leaves him in London to seek asylum, trusting that safety lies far from war.

Alone in an unfamiliar country, Alem grapples with the bureaucratic complexities of the refugee system, the pain of separation, and the everyday challenges of adapting to a new culture. He finds comfort and strength in unexpected friendships, school life, and the kindness of strangers, but the looming fear of deportation constantly shadows his journey.

Zephaniah—a celebrated British poet, novelist, and activist—renders Alem’s story with raw emotional depth and lyrical clarity. Through a compassionate lens, he exposes the human cost of political conflict while celebrating the quiet strength of those forced to start again in unknown lands.

Ideal for:

Young adult readers exploring social justice and global issues

Educators teaching empathy, identity, and migration narratives

Libraries and collections focused on cultural awareness and diversity

Anyone seeking an accessible, powerful story rooted in real-world challenges

Refugee Boy is not just a novel—it’s a voice for the voiceless and a call to see the human story behind the headlines.