Everyone Belongs
Written by USCCB Department of Justice, Peace, and Human Development
Illustrated by Kristin Sorra
Published by Loyola Press
Inspired by the USCCB’s statement “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love, A Pastoral Letter Against Racism,” Everyone Belongs empowers young readers to reflect on the reality of racism in our society, to see it through the lens of history and faith, and act towards respect, understanding, and friendship.
In this fully illustrated book for children ages 5-12, Ray Ikanga is a young boy whose family fled violence in their home country to come to the United States as refugees. The family moves into a new neighborhood and Ray begins making new friends. His excitement is interrupted, however, when someone spray paints a hurtful message on their garage: “Go home!”
Everyone Belongsis a book about recognizing the value of our differences, respecting each other, and forgiveness.
Primary ISBN:
Publication Date: December 2019
Available As: Paperback, eBook
Picture Book, Age 05 or older
Community Represented: Ugandan/Ugandan American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Cross-Group Friendship, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Discrimination: Immigration Status, Discrimination: Racial, Family Relationship: Parents, Neighbors & Neighborhoods, Refugee: War/Conflict, Religious Background: Christian, Welcoming by Individual
Setting: United States
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Refugee
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Engagement Projects & Resources:
Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.
Engagement Materials:
Everyone Belongs – Book & Activity Guide
Source: Loyola Press