Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Kate Milner books - My Name is not Refugee and It's a no Money Day



This book is a must have for every single school.  

A library Lady on It's a no Money Day

An outstanding book by an award-winning author/illustrator, which successfully presents this thought-provoking topic to a young audience and is full of hope for a brighter future. Book Trust

These are two of the most important books I have ever read. I have had both on my shopping list since I saw It's a no Money Day in a Melbourne book shop early in 2019.

My Name is not Refugee blurb from  Barrington Stoke: A young boy discusses the journey he is about to make with his mother. They will leave their town, she explains, and it will be sad but also a little bit exciting. They will have to say goodbye to friends and loved ones, and that will be difficult. They will have to walk and walk and walk, and although they will see many new and interesting things, it will be hard at times too.  A powerful and moving exploration that draws the young reader into each stage of the journey, inviting the chance to imagine the decisions he or she would make.

Here are some very detailed teachers notes for My Name is Not Refugee.

It's a no Money Day blurb from Barrington Stoke: A gentle, poignant and powerful exploration of foodbanks and life below the poverty line, from the Klaus Flugge Prize-winning creator of My Name is Not Refugee. Mum works really hard, but today there is no money left and no food in the cupboards. Forced to visit the local foodbank, Mum feels ashamed that they have to rely on the kindness of others. Maybe one day things will be different but for now together they brighten up even the darkest of days.

You can see inside these books on the publisher site.  If you are using these two books with students it would be good to view them side by side. Kate Milner has made these books with complimentary formats from the cover design; significant objects on the half title page; the design of the end papers using repeated patterns; the close relationship between the mother and child; the use of first person and the child as narrator; the middle page where we see a queue for the food bank and the line of people waiting outside the refugee camp; and make sure you look at the very last page in both books too.


These books have been written for young children aged 6+ but you could also read them to older students - in fact I am going to say you should read these to groups of older students in senior Primary classes. Read this interview with Kate Milner.

Companion reads for My Name is not Refugee:








Companion reads for It's a no Money Day






My name is not Refugee was the 2018 winner of the Klaus Flugge Prize


I need to investigate the titles on the 2021 long list:



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