ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to examine the representation of Asian refugee stories in children’s literature. Intersectionality is used as the theoretical framework. By drawing upon the three-dimensional narrative inquiry and critical discourse analysis, the findings show that the storyline of looking for refuge was a common theme in all the books. Other important storylines included the connections to the cultural practices of protagonists that were not often portrayed in children’s books. The findings also indicate that while two picturebooks included two protagonists who were positioned as women, community leaders, and activists, these stories were atypical cases. Not many Southeast Asian women with agency and power have been represented in children’s literature. The study has implications for including diversity in children’s literature and empowering Southeast Asian refugee girls and women
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).