Sandra Uwiringiyimana

Sandra Uwiringiymana's story of the first 20 years of her life. Sandra was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but her family were part of a tribe driven out of Rwanda to the Congo. They were never really accepted as Congolese and didn't even have the rights of citizenship. When the refugee camp where her family was living was raided by a militia group Sandra's sister Deborah was killed and her parents badly wounded. After years in camps the family was resettled in the United States in Rochester, New York. Sandra has become a leader and advocate for refugees and women in Africa.… (más)

This is a true story written by Sandra. This story begins with how Sandra survived a massacre in her home country of the Dominican Republic. She had to watch as her father was killed by the gunmen, but they spared her life. She struggled to find a home, or even stay alive. Eventually they were able to make it to America. Sandra had to start middle school in New York, not understanding the language, culture, or having much family by her side. This true story shows how she navigated all of these struggles.… (más)

I think this book offers a wonderful perspective into the life of a refugee. Often, people fleeing violence and war are seen as statistics. Sandra gives us a look at the humanity of these people. She asks us to view her as more than a refugee, as a person. I think this book is especially important now, as our country faces growing numbers of asylum seekers at the southern boarder. Each one of those migrants has their own story and their own desire to find their place in the world. This book is young adult nonfiction, but I also think adults would get a lot out of reading it.… (más)