Skip to content

Book Quote by Will Schwalbe

“When I think back on all the refugee camps I visited, all over the world, the people always asked for the same thing: books. Sometimes even before medicine or shelter--they wanted books for their children. (quoting his mother)” quote by Will Schwalbe
Download Open image
““When I think back on all the refugee camps I visited, all over the world, the people always asked for the same thing: books. Sometimes even before medicine or shelter--they wanted books for their children. (quoting his mother)””

Will Schwalbe

About This Quote

Source Interview: The New York Times Book Review, 2015

People in crisis prioritize knowledge and hope, seeking books for children even before basic needs.

In simple terms: Books are a vital source of hope in hardship.

Key Takeaway

Provide reading material to displaced families.

Themes

humanitarianism education hope

Mood

empathetic inspired

Type

advocacy humanitarian

When to use this quote

  • refugee camps
  • disaster relief
  • community centers

Key Concepts

psychology literacy resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can NGOs balance material aid with educational resources?
  • What impact do books have on children's trauma recovery?
A Different Perspective

Books cannot replace food or shelter; they must complement basic aid.

2.9 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Will Schwalbe

Explore all 139 Will Schwalbe quotes

More Book quotes

Browse all 29,381 Book quotes