ABOUT THE BOOK
My Heart in Kenya
Family separation is a devastating reality for refugees around the world, with reunification a dream many
families never realize. The trauma related to separation can last a lifetime.
My Heart in Kenya is a true story about family separation and reunification in the context of the refugee experience,
written from a child’s point of view. It aims to raise awareness of family separation in classrooms and community
programs across the country, and is geared to children 6-12 years of age, educators, and to those who work with
newcomer families in public health or community and settlement services.
Learning outcomes for children:
• To learn about the experiences of refugee families
• To learn about the reality of family separation and reunification
• For children who have experienced separation, to know they are not alone and to see themselves
represented in a book
Learning outcomes for educators and other professionals:
• To raise awareness of the impacts of family separation
• To gain a deeper understanding of the pain, struggle, and sacrifices refugees and their families endure
• To develop new perspectives to support families and children
families never realize. The trauma related to separation can last a lifetime.
My Heart in Kenya is a true story about family separation and reunification in the context of the refugee experience,
written from a child’s point of view. It aims to raise awareness of family separation in classrooms and community
programs across the country, and is geared to children 6-12 years of age, educators, and to those who work with
newcomer families in public health or community and settlement services.
Learning outcomes for children:
• To learn about the experiences of refugee families
• To learn about the reality of family separation and reunification
• For children who have experienced separation, to know they are not alone and to see themselves
represented in a book
Learning outcomes for educators and other professionals:
• To raise awareness of the impacts of family separation
• To gain a deeper understanding of the pain, struggle, and sacrifices refugees and their families endure
• To develop new perspectives to support families and children
Reviews
This is a simple, but moving, story of a sadly complicated situation, well-told story from a child's
perspective. It appropriately fulfils the learning outcomes specified on the back cover: to learn about the
refugee experience and to increase awareness of the impact of family separation.
--Whistler Book Awards Reviews
An absorbing and approachable introduction to the struggles of refugees."
--Kirkus Reviews
View Full Review Here
View Full Review Here
There are likely only a handful of books that engage 3 year olds to 103 year olds, yet “ My Heart in Kenya “ shines among these. From a 3 year old who was so absorbed in the photos and began speaking with me about our diversity and anti-racism to a 103 year old in a long term care setting who shed tears as I read her the story, this compelling book brings to light issues related to refugees, separation, reunification, trauma, attachment and bonding. For any of us who work with young children in early childhood programs, who are teachers or professionals in the human service domain, the true story of Nasteha and her Family sings out about so many of the timely issues we are facing globally, all related to human caring and social justice.
No matter our age, this book expands our hearts and minds through the power of love and compassion."
--Gyda Chud
Masters Degree in ECE and Adult Education
ECE Faculty member at Vancouver Community College
Masters Degree in ECE and Adult Education
ECE Faculty member at Vancouver Community College
I felt like I had a connection with the protagonist, Nasteha, and I really felt for her, and thought what it must have been like to be in that situation. You made her relatable for everyone, so that any reader who was reading this book would feel what Nasteha was going through and really empathize with her...I really loved your book, it was enjoyable to read, very meaningful, and most importantly, written with so much power and voice.”
--Evan, 11-years-old
Kids Advisory Committee, Ontario Library Association
Kids Advisory Committee, Ontario Library Association
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Learn More In This Documentary
Video length: 52min
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ruth Beardsley
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Ruth Beardsley is an Early Childhood Educator who worked for over 40 years in early learning programs and community services. Although she started telling stories while working with young children, it was working with adults in community groups where she learned the power of storytelling to raise awareness of issues related to newcomers. Before retiring she received the United Way 2016 Community Impact Award, recognizing her work with refugee families and their young children.The United Way also established “The Ruth Beardsley Reunification Fund” to support reunification of other families who have been separated from their young children. Ruth lives in Squamish, British Columbia with her husband, she has five adult children and two grandchildren.
This is her first children’s book. |
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