The sunbird by Sara Haddad

How can a new country be put inside a country that was already there? 

This beautiful book tells the story of Nabila Yasmeen, an 80-year-old lady living in Australia reflecting on her childhood in Palestine and her journey to Australia after the 1947 UN resolution to create a country inside a country. 

The Sunbird (young readers edition) is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed adult novella of the same name and is beautifully written in language that young readers can understand.  From Nabila’s idyllic childhood in her village where she plays with her friend Khalil, climbs trees and dreams of going to school, to leaving Palestine, settling in Lebanon and finally travelling to Australia, this book engages the reader in the experience of a child living through the unrest and horror that continues today.

The impact of dividing Palestine into two states is explored but in a way that is not overwhelming to the reader however, what is left unsaid allows the older reader to consider the impact of war and civil unrest on families, community and culture.  The black and white illustrations enhance the story with their simplicity, and the short chapters make this book easily accessible for all independent readers. 

The Sunbird would make an excellent addition to any library, both home and school.  It would be an excellent read aloud for a classroom or an independent read.  The information in the back of the book is very helpful to understand the history of Palestine and the culture and language of Nabila’s family. Teacher's notes are available.

Themes: War, Family, Immigration, History, Displacement, Refugees, Asylum seeker, Conflict, Childhood.

Mhairi Alcorn