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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
Such a beautiful, quick read. I really enjoyed Jude’s story and the decision to tell it in verse made it flow so well. One of my favorite books of the year.
This verse novel aimed at middle school readers tackles the immigrant experience through the lens of the Syrian refugee crisis while simultaneously calling out the epidemic of Islamophobia that runs through the Western world. Although author Jasmine Warga avoids the most dire realities of the Syrian civil war, she still manages to use it as a teachable moment (to the extent that a 12-year-long-and-counting conflict can be referred to as a "moment"). Perhaps this is understandable given her target audience and considering how much ground this novel actually covers. The story of Jude, a pubescent Syrian girl who, with her mother, flees her home to live with relatives, is relevant to all immigrants to the United States. The clash of cultures is vividly rendered, as are the dichotomies and double standards that face any non-white person coming to live in the U.S. The added layer of Islamophobia is an indictment of a country that pays a great deal of lip service to being a melting pot but more often than not fails to live up to its ideals. The author manages to humanize her protagonist in a manner that should be directly relatable to most readers. This is the kind of book that will be especially useful in regions and schools that lack diversity, and it is highly recommended for the middle school crowd. Superb!
definitely a really good and important read. it was written in verse which i love so that was really good. i kinda wish the ending wrapped up a few things more but i would def recommend this book
Jude is a just a girl who is shushed often in her home of Syria and who absolutely adores her older brother, mom and dad. Her and her best friend Fatima love watching American rom-com classics (think Sandra Bullocks movies). Everything changes though as Syria become a more volatile country and Jude and her pregnant mother move to America (for at least a while). They have the comfort of staying with Jude's uncle's family but everything else is so very foreign! Throughout the story, the writing feels so authentic as a glimpse of what it might feel like to immigrate to the USA especially as a Muslim. It does touch on Islamophobia, prejudices (in general), Muslim customs, and it has thought-provoking reflections on American society; for example, "'She just thinks it's strange because you know, you-' There is a long break. I have learned Americans love to say 'you know' and then stop/ talking./ They force you to fill in the hard parts, the things they are not brave enough to say." Perhaps one of my favorite aspects of the story is the Arabic proverbs weaved throughout! One such quote that I felt inspired by: "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."
Needless to say, I enjoyed this book! It was emotional and eye-opening and definitely developed a deeper level of empathy for ESL students.
Needless to say, I enjoyed this book! It was emotional and eye-opening and definitely developed a deeper level of empathy for ESL students.
Confession. I listened to this book on Audible. One of my New Years Resolutions was to use my driving time to read/listen to books. This one was a great book to use for Audible. It helped me pronounce names properly.
I loved the story. This is a great empathy-building story.
I loved the story. This is a great empathy-building story.
Jude and her mother leave her father and brother in Syria for the U.S. This story in verse is great for middle grades. Addresses trying to fit in, learning a new language, friendship, not knowing if your family is safe, and bigotry against Muslims and Middle Eastern people.
hello yes this was so great, i loved the writing and jude's voice, the story was wonderful, and any book featuring a play or musical is a yes from me. highly recommend!
I am so thankful our children's librarian is going out of her way to buy books with diverse characters. This story about Jude, a refugee from Syria, is written in verse...which I think works well for her story. It's just a peek into her life and experiences leaving her home and half of her family, but she grows and changes others around her with her positivity.
Review to come! I read this for the reading rush for the birthstone challenge.