ABSTRACT
If our goal is to create caring citizens of the world, to build empathy, to deepen understanding of social justice and equity, then it is essential that educators confront any insecurities they may have about teaching topics which may be considered tough but are vital to weave into our programmes. The chapter considers why we use children’s literature to teach tough topics, focusing on the immigrant and refugee experience, and cite picture books and fiction that serve as case studies to help students make sense of historical and current events. A rationale is provided that considers how drama invites students to step inside the learning, make personal connections to issues, and emotionally work alongside peers to explore a tough topic. The picture book source, Out, by Angela May George, provides a framework for a drama structure that helps teachers to plan and implement a range of drama conventions that help to uncover the dilemma and profound choice of leaving the homeland, to unpack episodes from a migrant journey and mine the events of settling in and finding a place of belonging, a place called home, a place of hope.
