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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
This is a story of a Syrian refugee in America, her coming of age, beginning to cover her hair, the trials of being a Muslim immigrant in America, her relationship with her family still in Syria, etc. The whole story is written in verse which just adds another beautiful later to the book. I strongly, strongly recommend this book!
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
This beautiful middle-grade novel in verse tells Jude's story from her perspective. It starts in her home of Syria, where she lyrically depicts the beauty and the chaos. Then she and her mother go to stay with her uncle in the United States. The story covers many important themes - what it feels like to be an outsider, to miss home yet know that you should feel lucky to be safe, to suddenly have a label and identity thrust upon you. I especially appreciated Jude's changing experiences when she first begins to wear a hijab and how that changes the perception others have of her. This is a beautiful book and a necessary buy for middle schools.
Jude is a young girl living in Syria. Her love for family and home are challenged by the political turmoil in her town and the violence erupting in the streets. When her mother finds out that she is expecting another child, Jude’s father sends his girls to live with family in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Ohio might as well be another planet because at first Jude and her mother are treated like aliens. They try to assimilate into American culture all while clinging to the most important parts of their Syrian life. Friendships are hard for Jude at first, but as she develops her English skills in an ESL classroom she meets other students who have left their homelands behind for the promise of safety.
A story of coming-of-age during immigration to America is what sets this lyrical book apart from others in the genre.
A couple of things to note if considering this book for a young audience:
-Jude starts her period and begins wearing a hijab. The language here is not very graphic, but may not be suitable for elementary school readers.
-Violence is not depicted explicitly, but Jude’s brother, Issa, is involved with a Syrian rebellion and she worries for his safety often.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book from the Newbery List. As a high school teacher, middle grade fiction is not a genre I gravitate toward and so this was something different to break up my ensemble of YA and Literary fiction. Because this book was written for a younger audience it was a quick read. Additionally, it is a book written in verse which limits the word count on each page. This is a good option for reluctant readers because the plot is easy to follow and the words-per-page are manageable and help propel the reader quickly through the story.
Find more book reviews at theameribritmom.com
Ohio might as well be another planet because at first Jude and her mother are treated like aliens. They try to assimilate into American culture all while clinging to the most important parts of their Syrian life. Friendships are hard for Jude at first, but as she develops her English skills in an ESL classroom she meets other students who have left their homelands behind for the promise of safety.
A story of coming-of-age during immigration to America is what sets this lyrical book apart from others in the genre.
A couple of things to note if considering this book for a young audience:
-Jude starts her period and begins wearing a hijab. The language here is not very graphic, but may not be suitable for elementary school readers.
-Violence is not depicted explicitly, but Jude’s brother, Issa, is involved with a Syrian rebellion and she worries for his safety often.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book from the Newbery List. As a high school teacher, middle grade fiction is not a genre I gravitate toward and so this was something different to break up my ensemble of YA and Literary fiction. Because this book was written for a younger audience it was a quick read. Additionally, it is a book written in verse which limits the word count on each page. This is a good option for reluctant readers because the plot is easy to follow and the words-per-page are manageable and help propel the reader quickly through the story.
Find more book reviews at theameribritmom.com
I loved how real this was. I loved the window of empathy it allowed.
Don’t let the label of middle grade fiction written in verse scare you off from this one. Just like this quote from the book tells us...
“Americans love labels.
They help them know what to expect.
Sometimes, though,
I think labels stop them from thinking.”
Let Jude, a 12 year old Syrian girl, take you through this beautifully written story. Feel her pain at leaving her Syrian home, feel her joy at finding ways to belong in her new home, and feel the love that emanates from this family.
“Hoping,
I’m starting to think,
might be the greatest thing a person can do.”
“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.”
This world needs us to help people rise - go do it.
“Americans love labels.
They help them know what to expect.
Sometimes, though,
I think labels stop them from thinking.”
Let Jude, a 12 year old Syrian girl, take you through this beautifully written story. Feel her pain at leaving her Syrian home, feel her joy at finding ways to belong in her new home, and feel the love that emanates from this family.
“Hoping,
I’m starting to think,
might be the greatest thing a person can do.”
“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.”
This world needs us to help people rise - go do it.
Loved this book . Highly recommend to everyone. I love the perspective of the book and how it was written.