This third book in the Refugee Journeys series follows the story of a boy from Chechnya. In 2001 when Chechens were at war with Russia, he was on his way to school in the capital Grozny when he stepped on a landmine. His leg had to be amputated and eventually he and his father went to the UK for expert treatment and fitting of an artifical leg. As it was unsafe for them to return to Chechnya, the family sought asylum in the UK. Eventually Hamzat’s mother and sister joined them in London and now the family are learning to adapt to their new life after the horror of living in a war zone. This poignant and at times harrowing story reveals the bravery of Hamzat and his family in facing and overcoming their circumstances to start a new life. Simply told and atmospherically illustrated with photographs and colour illustrations, this is a powerful book that will move all who read it. Other titles in the series: Gervelie’s Journey, Mohammed’s Journey
- ISBN: 9781847800305
- Illustrator: Allan, June
- Published: 2009 , Frances Lincoln Ltd
- Themes: Family, immigration, injury, War
- Descriptors: Europe, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Nonfiction, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Russia
- No. of pages: 32