The DKG Educators Book Award Committee proudly announces the 2026 winner - Displaced: A Family Without a Country, written by Sue Stewart Ade and inspired by the life of Irena Golcvegaite.

A novel inspired by real people and events, the narrative offers a glimpse into the lived experiences of refugees during a time of conflict, capturing both the hardships they endured and the resilience that sustained them. In Displaced, Ade tells the story of a young girl and her family as they are forced to leave their home in Lithuania and navigate the uncertainty of displacement. Set in the 1940s, the family expects to be away for only a few weeks until the unrest settles, but their journey becomes much longer and more challenging than anticipated.

At the heart of the story are the perspectives of two young girls, Irena and Bridget, whose lives are shaped by upheaval, separation, and adaptation to new environments. Their experiences highlight not only the emotional toll of displacement, but also the role of education as a source of stability, identity, and hope amid uncertainty. Through their journeys, readers gain insight into how children experience and make sense of global crises.

Ade’s work also provides an important historical lens, helping readers better understand the realities faced by families forced from their homes and the broader contexts that shape such experiences. At the same time, Displaced invites reflection on present-day issues surrounding migration, belonging, and humanitarian response. The experiences depicted in the story closely parallel those of many individuals and families in today’s global climate who also face displacement, uncertainty, and the challenge of rebuilding their lives in an unfamiliar land. The book artfully walks the line of historical and contemporary relevance.

With its compelling narrative and timely relevance, Displaced: A Family Without a Country offers a meaningful exploration of history, humanity, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

You can purchase Displaced: A Family Without a Country by Sue Stewart Ade below on:

Amazon