When life in Indonesia becomes too dangerous for LGBTQ people, Ghost and her two dads are forced to leave their home and escape to freedom in Canada. Ghost’s Journey was inspired by the story of two gay refugees, Rainer and Eka, and their cat Ghost, with illustrations created from their photographs.
All author royalties from this book are donated to support LGBTQ+ refugees, through Rainbow Refugee and Rainbow Railroad, and through Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program and BVOR Program.
Order from the publisher, Rebel Mountain Press! Or order from the distributor, Literary Press Group, from Indie Bound, or from Amazon.
EXTRAS! Teacher’s guide, discussion questions, book trailer, photo gallery and more!
Awards
Silver Birch Express Award finalist 2021
Rocky Mountain Book Award finalist 2021
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens 2020– starred selection
Reviews
“To say that introducing young children to complex social justice issues – such as those involving LGBTQ+ refugees – is a challenge would be an understatement. But Robin Stevenson’s new picture book manages to present this complicated subject in an accessible and moving way… Stevenson conveys the emotions, practicalities, and social and cultural context of the situation simply and empathetically… Her passion for and knowledge of the topic of LGBTQ+ refugees shine in Ghost’s Journey, making for a charming and informative picture book. ”--Quill and Quire, September 2019.
“Stevenson tells the real-life story of Eka Nasution and Rainer Oktovianus with simplicity and clarity for younger audiences… Centering Ghost creates appeal for young readers, who can easily identify with her family’s longing to live their true lives. This introduction to LGBTQ human rights for young children is a gentle and effective one.” –Kirkus, June 2019
“Stevenson’s direct and succinct prose complements the stylized, photographic images within the book… the cat… as the protagonist, will give youngsters a space from which to enter and connect with the narrative. The world is changing, and Canada remains, at least in comparison to the global landscape, an LGBTQ safe space, and Ghost’s Journey plays a role in reinforcing this narrative for a positive purpose. Highly Recommended.” –Canadian Materials, March 2019
“Stevenson has managed the often-elusive feat of writing a children’s book with a social justice message while also making it age-appropriate, non-pedantic, and compelling… a unique tale of one family and a look at an aspect of LGBTQ lives that hasn’t yet appeared in children’s literature. It’s also notable for showing how LGBTQ issues intersect with other aspects of social justice. As with any book that brings up anti-LGBTQ sentiment, of course, adults should be prepared to discuss the content with children as they read it. At a time when immigration and refugee issues are much in the news (and in many people’s lives), both in Canada and the U.S., however, I think there’s a clear need for children’s books that explore such tough topics in a sensitive and age-appropriate way, as this one does. “–Mombian, August 2019
“This book charmed me from the get-go. Told from a cat’s perspective, it tackles tough subjects with a light touch. The story broke my heart, then put it back together again. I simply loved it.”
-Susin Nielsen, Governor General’s Award winning author of The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen and No Fixed Address.
“Ghost’s Journey shines a gentle light on the dangers faced by so many LGBTQ+ people in countries around the world. It’s a powerful and important story, beautifully written and full of captivating images.” –Susan Juby, author of Alice I Think and the Republic of Dirt
“Reading this story I realize again how fortunate we are to live in a society where we can talk, think, act, believe and love as free human beings; where we respect our neighbours even if they differ from us. I hope that many children will read this tender tale and wonder why people around the world can’t revel in that same freedom, that we so often take for granted. Because only when we wonder why something isn’t right, can we change injustices. Welcome to Canada, Ghost and your daddies.”
–Margriet Ruurs, award winning author of Stepping Stones, A Refugee Family’s Journey (Orca Books)
“Ghost’s story is not just an endearing cat tale, it’s also a gentle but honest introduction to human rights issues for young audiences.” –Kyle Lukoff, author of When Aidan Became a Brother (Lee and Low) and A Storytelling of Ravens (Groundwood).
“With gentle, evocative prose, and a cuddly protagonist, Stevenson recounts Eka and Rainer’s journey from Java through the lens of the two men’s cat, Ghost. Ghost’s perspective provides young readers with an accessible entry point to explore the plight of LGBTQ immigrants fleeing violence in their own countries. Ghost’s Journey is hopeful and engaging, packing an emotional punch that will help illuminate the struggles of
LGBTQ individuals at home and abroad.” -Robert Bittner, Postdoctoral Fellow and LGBTQ Literature Scholar.
“Robin Stevenson has an incredible talent for making difficult subjects accessible for all ages. Ghost’s Journey: A Refugee Story is no exception. For a book that deals with the terrible victimization of LGBTQ+ people and refugees, Ghost’s Journey, at its heart, is less about the horrors Rainer and Eka faced that forced them to flee their home and more about the love they share for each other and the home they have created with their beloved cat. Ghost’s Journey is a beautiful, much-needed book told through the eyes of a cat who follows his dads halfway across the world to create a new home together where they are free to love each other openly and without fear. Something everyone has a right to do.”
-Melanie Florence, award winning author of Stolen Words and Missing Nimana
“Ghost’s Journey is a perfect fit for teaching young audiences about SOGI, family diversity, human rights and social justice. Parents, primary teachers and elementary school librarians will love this picture book; a ‘must have’ on every kid’s bookshelf!”
~Solveig Davie, Teacher-Librarian, SD44 (North Vancouver)
“Heartwarming and powerful story of courage, a cat’s love, and a new country. Inspirational.” ~ Marilyn MacPherson, Librarian