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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
Feel-good fluff which celebrates all that is tender and good in humanity. In other words, a good way to start the beginning of pandemic year 2, populist nationalism year 5. My book club couldn't place this story; me and a few others were convinced it takes place during 9/11. (In which case, Ms. Warga, "data scientist" was not a job title in 2001!) Others disagreed. I suppose it's left ambiguous.
This is a short, spare, kind (!) YA novel about a Syrian tween girl emigrating to Ohio. Much scenes of high school angst. Some scenes of awful Islamophobia. But people, the novel concludes, overall ain't so bad. Have hope!
This is a short, spare, kind (!) YA novel about a Syrian tween girl emigrating to Ohio. Much scenes of high school angst. Some scenes of awful Islamophobia. But people, the novel concludes, overall ain't so bad. Have hope!
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book provides an earnest pov of a young Muslim girl who moves to the US and faces discrimination. It includes apologetics for some Islamic customs, which is especially helpful for students who haven't been exposed to them. It mentions many topics indirectly, such as terrorism, war, and periods, so they may need to be explained for children without the context to know what is being referenced. Overall a great window.
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
a very well-written and affecting middle-grade book. Jude’s voice and story is relatable and clear. as a teacher, i’m going to recommend this book be added to our school library - this is important representation.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book has been in my TBR for very long time. Since now is Ramadan, I will myself to read more Islamic books and book from Muslim authors. Hence, I found myself reading this book and bawled my eyes out. I cried so many times I was afraid I break my fast. I don't know why but I was so easy to cry while reading this book. I am not an immigrant. I am not Arabic. But I somehow so close to feel what Jude felt. Maybe because what happened in Palestine made me feel harder with Islamic countries face with war, even genocide. I cried even harder because Syria finally free from its dictator. I imagine so many family reunion, so many Judes meet their Fatimas, so many Judes meet their Babas, so many Judes meet their Issas. I am crying just writing this review.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Jude must leave her home, which is currently in a state of unrest and violence, and move to America. Once there, she must learn how to handle Islamaphobia, xenophobia, and learning to become at peace with her own identity.
This was such a sweet read. Oh, I just could sing praises forever. Sorrowful at so many times throughout the book, but also just heartwarming. Not overly positive and fake, but still infused with moments of hope and joy. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. 5/5 stars.
This was such a sweet read. Oh, I just could sing praises forever. Sorrowful at so many times throughout the book, but also just heartwarming. Not overly positive and fake, but still infused with moments of hope and joy. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. 5/5 stars.