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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
This is a poetic narrative about a young girl and her mother, who move from Syria to Cincinnati to live with her uncle’s family. Jude is sorting out her new world while wondering about her family she left behind. It’s a beautiful book.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
"There is an Arabic proverb that says: 'She makes you feel like a loaf of freshly baked bread.' It is said about the nicest kindest people. The type of people who help you rise." 🧡
One of the most engrossing books I've read in awhile.
This middle grade verse novel was a beautiful thing to listen to. It tells the story of a young woman, Jude, who moves to America from Syria as she struggles to feel like she can belong in a strange city filled with people who want to label her as soon as they look her: poor. Foreigner. Terrorist. Illustrating the importance of empathy and generosity of heart, this book is an excellent choice for any reader as young as 11 and as old as 119.
I love how verse novels tell such a full story without using all the words a “traditional” novel may use. It was the perfect method for telling the story of Jude leaving Syria with her pregnant mother. They come to America to live with Jude’s uncle and family, who are very Americanized compared to what Jude’s used to. Some of the emotions in this book are so beautifully and simply shared that I could totally relate, despite having never been in a situation like this. Warga keeps writing amazing book after amazing book.
This was such a spectacular novel in verse. I read it alongside a student and it’s such a great book for bridging empathy and giving students a more global perspective. Highly recommend!
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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:
No
The sweetest, purest story I've read all year. Warga is a talented writer and I look forward to reading her future works.
Middle grade novel in verse about s Syrian girl and her mother coming to the US to live with her uncle. Sweet and earnest, does a good job of balancing the trials of adjusting to a new school with complex geopolitical worries. Recommended for ages 9-12.
An important read. Author lives in Chicago. Verse novel about a refugee from Syria defining what home means to her