The Suitcase: Migration in Children's Literature

17/12/2020

The Suitcase by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros is one example of how the topics of forced migration, belonging, and home can be mediated via children’s literature. The story reflects multiple perspectives and invites the reader/listener to reflect on their own relationship to these themes. Consider how the text visualizes experiences of migration and arrival into a new community. How does the book show the complexities of these processes? In what ways does the book resonate with your own experiences with these themes?

Chris Naylor-Ballesteros reads The Suitcase

If the reading has made you curious, feel free to have a look at these behind-the-scenes videos and interviews to find out more about the author’s inspiration behind the story and the characters.

Chris Naylor-Ballesteros drawing characters from The Suitcase

Blog Post by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros about The Suitcase

To the Blog Post

Interview with Chris Naylor-Ballesteros about The Suitcase

To the Interview

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#Children'sPerspective

In the course of the "Hostile Terrains" seminar at University Münster, the project group #Children'sPerspective addresses migration from a focus centered on kids.

We hope that this webpage adds to the #HT94 Münster exhibition by extending its work of visual representation of forced migration with the inclusion of children’s and young adult literature. While the art exhibit puts its focus on visualizing the deadly impact of the U.S. immigration policies, our page aims to put the focus on the lived experiences of forced migration, especially those of children, as well as on the ways in which children can engage with narratives and representations of migration.