Gaijin
Matt Faulkner
Book summary
This is a visually told historical story about a young person treated as an outsider both outside and inside an internment camp. Its strongest offering is a personal route into prejudice, citizenship and belonging.
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Matt Faulkner
This is a visually told historical story about a young person treated as an outsider both outside and inside an internment camp. Its strongest offering is a personal route into prejudice, citizenship and belonging.
Drew Dernavich
A playful picture book about Number Three testing different identities and uses before recognising a renewed purpose. Its humour comes through imaginative visual transformations, familiar number concepts and comic consequences rather than sustained danger or conflict.
Erin Hunter
This is an outward journey that becomes a test of belonging. The apprentices bring practical skills to another community, but the story questions whether competence gives outsiders the right to decide what help should look like.
Liz Kessler
Choose this for a reader who enjoys high-seas adventure, mermaids, treasure hunts, riddles and brisk action. The story also offers a character-led exploration of identity, friendship, prejudice and belonging.
Thomas Flintham
A playful, high-energy quest turns familiar ideas upside down. Its central appeal is the combination of gaming-style adventure, colourful illustrations, unusual allies and a clear goal: return to the real world.
Yangsook Choi
This is a gentle, realistic story about a child negotiating identity and belonging after moving countries. It offers a clear starting point for discussing names, pronunciation, welcome and cultural pride.
Adiba Jaigirdar
This is a dual-perspective queer romance about learning to resist pressure from friends and family. It combines warmth and humour with uncomfortable moments involving identity, belonging, prejudice and competing expectations.
Kieran Larwood
Expect a lively, illustrated fantasy quest built around an underdog team. The story combines dungeon challenges, comic world-building and a friendship arc, while Kit’s impulsive decision creates the central problem.