Reviews

Nowhere Boy by Katherine Marsh

reader4evr's review against another edition

5.0

I am not a fan of this cover but it was such a good story, almost like an updated version of Anne Frank.

kater07's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-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

4.0

mlreads92's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

4.5

krissareads's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring tense

5.0

deaton9's review against another edition

3.0

The book sensitively depicts the struggles of refugees and is touching, but there were many points in the book that I said "no way that this would happen!" There were too many unbelievable moments for me to love it.

redheadtreefrog's review

adventurous emotional hopeful 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

5.0

I originally picked this story for Middle Grade March because I was interested in the idea of a Syrian refugee and a temporary American expat both interacting within this third foreign culture. But it was so much better than I was even hoping. 

Our unlikely band of middle school friends include the Syrian refugee, the homesick American expat, and a couple of Belgians with very different backgrounds. How those friendships develop and what they learn about each other and the world is just so good! Then add in the family relationships (both Ahmed’s and Max’s)and it’s just perfection. 

I’m definitely interested in reading more from Katherine Marsh!

shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition

I was captivated by this middle reader about Max, an American 13 year-old reluctantly living in Brussels for a year, and Ahmed, a refugee from Syria who lost his whole family. Unlike his 'perfect' sister, Max struggles socially and academically, but when he discovers Ahmed hiding in his house's wine cellar, he demonstrates kindness and bravery beyond the norm. Ahmed's story of bravery and resilience is told in alternating chapters. Set against the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels, author Marsh parallels Max and Ahmed's story with that of Belgian Albert Jonnart who hid a Jewish teenager in his wine cellar at the cost of his own life. Great story - tissues required.

ashleyeila's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

meganbauer's review against another edition

5.0

Henry

mipa_jt's review

adventurous challenging emotional funny inspiring 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

4.25