Taking Flight - by Kashmira Sheth (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A moving and stunningly illustrated exploration of the refugee experience, through the eyes of those most impacted: children

No matter where you started,
leaving was hard--so was the journey.
And when you finally reached safety,
you were hungry, thirsty, worn-out.
Ready for rest.

Taking Flight offers an intimate look at being a refugee by following three different children. From the mountains of Tibet, the cotton fields in Syria, and a city in Ukraine, families pack their bags and say goodbye to their homes as they leave in search of safety. Although they don't know what the future holds--maybe an extended time in a refugee camp or a long journey to a place with a new language--they hope that it will be a place they can call home.

Told in second person, directly addressing a displaced child, and with deeply evocative illustrations from Nicolò Carozzi, Taking Flight is a timely and necessary story that offers gentle reassurance and hope for readers.

Review Quotes

"This book is truly as stunning as it is timely. I read it with my heart in my mouth and was reminded once again of the beauty, resilience and grace of young people." --Jacqueline Woodson, New York Times bestselling author of The Day You Begin

"With gorgeous language, sweeping illustrations, and an abundance of compassion, this book shares the heartache and hope that bring many families to a new life in a new land." --Pat Zietlow Miller, New York Times bestselling author of Be Kind

About the Author

Kashmira Sheth was born in India with Gujarati as her mother tongue, and began learning English in fifth grade. She had lived in Bhavnagar and Mumbai before moving to United States when she was seventeen to attend Iowa State University, where she received a BS in microbiology. Before becoming an author, Kashmira had many different jobs, including running a dance school and choreographing and performing Indian dances, working in a bakery, and working as a food microbiologist. She is the author of several picture books, chapter books, and middle grade and young adult novels.

Nicolò Carozzi is a Veronese architect, teacher, and illustrator. He was awarded first prize for the EurHope illustration competition in 2013, and has been a shortlisted illustrator for three Folio Society competitions. His author-illustrator debut Brave as a Mouse received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist and was a Bank Street Best Children's Book.