An inspiring advocacy story written and illustrated by students around the world, dedicated to Syrian children and their families.

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"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples."
- Mother Teresa

Dear Changemaker

(click image to enlarge)

Alex Myteberi is one such stone and his empathy, compassion, and kindness has created many ripples, including the inspiration for Dear Tariq.

Story Behind the Story

* Photo by Pete Souza

Dear Tariq

An Inspired Advocacy Story by Students for Students

Dear Tariq is an inspired grassroots children’s advocacy story written and illustrated by a team of international students to help raise awareness, empathy and compassion around the Syrian refugee crisis.

Our mission is simple. To sell as many books as possible on behalf of our young illustrator Sirin, her mother, and other Syrian refugee families living in Amman, Jordan. Book proceeds will go to Sirin and her family. Learn more about the creative team and listen to Sirin's inspiring interview.

Would you help us discover the power of youth storytelling advocacy and its collective ripple effect?

Invest in a Story that Changes Lives

“Meet Aidan and Tariq, two young soccer enthusiasts, growing up on opposite sides of the world. One fall, Tariq and his family attempt to escape the civil war in Aleppo, Syria, and television images of children fleeing the violence deeply trouble Aidan. While Tariq’s family makes the brave and difficult journey to Amman, Jordan, Aidan considers how he and his classmates might respond. As Tariq dreams of playing soccer and being reunited with his family, Aidan explores a meaningful journey of friendship. Together, they bridge the distance between them.”

Creative Team

Meet the Creative Team

Never underestimate the power of a story and your ability to tell it

Dear Tariq’s creative team hopes that this poignant advocacy story will create a lasting ripple effect that fosters collective kindness, dignity, community, and action! Learn more, listen to the Interview with authors Selena & Geo!

Co-Author

Selena Morse

University student and changemaker Selena Morse cares deeply about the environment and humanitarian rights. She hopes the narrative journeys in her first book “Dear Tariq” will continue to inspire empathy, understanding, and positive social impact throughout our world.

Illustrator

Sirin Hamada

Twelve-year-old changemaker Sirin is excited to share her illustrations through her first picture book “Dear Tariq.” She hopes that in capturing Tariq’s authentic perspective, many others affected by war will be inspired to share their own stories of healing and resilience.

Translator

Shahd Abu Gharbieh

University student Shahd’s deep interest in advocacy and social change motivated her to pursue translation and interact with refugees in her community. She hopes that this project will connect readers from around the world regardless of cultural differences.

Co-Author

Geo Chen

University student and changemaker Geo Chen hopes that in textually and visually capturing Aidan and Tariq’s perspectives, readers will see the Syrian refugee crisis as a collection of human stories and thus, an invitation to compassionately respond.

Illustrator

Allison Dai

University student and changemaker Allison Dai brings characters to life through her inked panels and texturization in “Dear Tariq”. She hopes the collaboration of this project helps readers to visualize refugees as human beings, deserving of dignity, and love.

Contributor

Jordan Hattar

Jordan started working with Syrian refugees at the age of 20, striving to help them have agency over their own lives. Jordan believes in the power of storytelling and is currently the director of Help4Refugees.org. He connects schools and students worldwide with refugee communities.

The Story Behind The Story...

Movement

The Dear Tariq Ripple Effect
Let’s create and support stories that change lives.

LISTEN TO THE STUDENT PODCAST

Interviewers Alannah and Sophie get the inside scoop with Co-Authors Selena and Geo about the process

of creating Dear Tariq.

Dear Tariq InterviewLife Worth Living Podcast

00:00 / 19:51

Praise & Press for Dear Tariq

Dear Tariq in the News

Press

A Tale of Two Students

March 24, 2023 | Susan R. Miller, University Communications | Duke Today Duke student co-authors’ book to bring attention to the Syrian...

ASU freshman publishes first children's book

February 03, 2023 | Cameron Polom | abc 15 | Uplifting Arizona ASU freshman Selena Morse shared excerpts from her new children’s book...

ASU business student pens inspiring story dedicated to Syrian refugees

January 27, 2023 | Marshall Terrill | ASU News Collaborative book 'Dear Tariq' inspired by real youth advocate; proceeds to help refugee...

What readers are saying...

"Dear Tariq is an important book because of the story it captures and because its is a book written and illustrated by young change makers who care deeply about being advocates and creating positive, purposeful change." - LeeAnne Lavender

"I was amazed by Dear Tariq! This highly engaging, relevant book tells the story of two boys from different parts of the world with very different lives, who connect and lift each other up. This is a story of struggle and sadness, but also of hope. I highly recommend this inspiring book for any young person, parent, and teacher who wants to find out how to make a difference in the lives of others."
- Stacy C. Bauer