Title: A True Person
Author: Gabiann Marin
Illustrated by: Jacqui Grantford
Publisher: New Frontier Publishing
ISBN: 978 1 92104 219 5
More Information on Asylum Seekers: Refugee Council of Australia
Download: Teachers Notes on A True Person
Themes:Refugee Issues, Asylum Seekers, Detention Centres, Australia Refugee Policy, Humanity, Friendship, Stories, Hope
Zallah and her mother have escaped their war torn country and are looking for safety in Australia. Instead of freedom they find themselves in a refugee detention centre. Zallah struggles with the reason for this punishment.
A True Person is a moving story which highlights the bond between Mother and Daughter in times of adversity. For Zallah there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we celebrate with her as she realises what it means to be A True Person.
This is, quite simply a remarkable release. Every now and then a picture book is released that is able to address Australian issues in a way that can touch anyone. Shaun Tan’s book “The Rabbits” was able to ask questions about the way that Australia was settled by White Australians and how they treated (and continue to treat) those that were here beforehand.
“A True Story” attempts to tell the story of a young girl of primary school age who has found herself locked up behind fences in an Australian refugee centre. Beautifully told and illustrated we’re able to meet Zallah and her mother and others who live in the detention centre.
Through the story we’re asked…
If we believe that people in refugee detention are “true people,” and if we’ve got eyes that can see and hearts that can love.
Simply a beautiful story about beautiful people in a situation that is not beautiful at all, illustrated by Jaqui Grantford the people come to life in her vibrant colours and impressive artistic flare.
Great for reading during Refugee and Migrant Sunday
[rating:4]