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lostinausten's review
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
A true story about a child who is living in war torn Syria, who decides to try and make a difference.
Muhammad Najem lives in Syria during the ongoing civil war. He is sick and tired of innocent people getting killed, including people he knows and loves. He gets inspired to begin filming the attacks and interviewing kids who have been affected. He eventually gets the attention of CNN and is able to tell his story to millions.
I loved that this story was from a kid's perspective and it shows how Najem copes with all of the horrific events happening to and around him. I appreciated that kids in Syria were so desperate to go to school that they have to go at 5am to an underground school, since that's the only safe option. The journey you go on with Najem is eye opening and completely heartbreaking. It's insane to think of what kids have to endure and the sacrifices they have to make all over the would because of famine, war, poverty, etc. I hope that kids reading this realize that as well.
Muhammad Najem lives in Syria during the ongoing civil war. He is sick and tired of innocent people getting killed, including people he knows and loves. He gets inspired to begin filming the attacks and interviewing kids who have been affected. He eventually gets the attention of CNN and is able to tell his story to millions.
I loved that this story was from a kid's perspective and it shows how Najem copes with all of the horrific events happening to and around him. I appreciated that kids in Syria were so desperate to go to school that they have to go at 5am to an underground school, since that's the only safe option. The journey you go on with Najem is eye opening and completely heartbreaking. It's insane to think of what kids have to endure and the sacrifices they have to make all over the would because of famine, war, poverty, etc. I hope that kids reading this realize that as well.
lawbooks600's review
emotional
medium-paced
4.0
Representation: Asian characters
Score: Seven and a half points out of ten.
This novel is one I wanted to read ever since I heard the library was getting it. I missed the opportunity to pick it up the first time around but not the second time. After not enjoying a previous novel I hoped I would delight myself in reading this one. Turns out it's not fiction, it's a memoir, and it even rivals The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat.
It starts with the first person I see, Muhammad Najem living in Syria for the early childhood section of his life until the Syrian Civil War started when he was eight. Life took a downward spiral the older he got as he lost his father at 13 and at fifteen he didn't want to sit and do nothing anymore. Thus, Muhammad decided to act. This memoir shines in its accurate portrayal of Syria during its civil war but it doesn't pull any punches. It's more suitable for young adults than middle graders due to the graphic content inside. I delighted myself in seeing all the likable characters, and I could connect and relate to Muhammad as he develops his character. At least the conclusion is a high note as Muhammad finally becomes a reporter.
Score: Seven and a half points out of ten.
This novel is one I wanted to read ever since I heard the library was getting it. I missed the opportunity to pick it up the first time around but not the second time. After not enjoying a previous novel I hoped I would delight myself in reading this one. Turns out it's not fiction, it's a memoir, and it even rivals The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat.
It starts with the first person I see, Muhammad Najem living in Syria for the early childhood section of his life until the Syrian Civil War started when he was eight. Life took a downward spiral the older he got as he lost his father at 13 and at fifteen he didn't want to sit and do nothing anymore. Thus, Muhammad decided to act. This memoir shines in its accurate portrayal of Syria during its civil war but it doesn't pull any punches. It's more suitable for young adults than middle graders due to the graphic content inside. I delighted myself in seeing all the likable characters, and I could connect and relate to Muhammad as he develops his character. At least the conclusion is a high note as Muhammad finally becomes a reporter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, War, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Death, and Blood
Full trigger warnings: Death of children, a father and an uncle, blood, grief and loss depiction, loss of limb, military violence and war themes, explosion, fire, bullying, dead bodies, pregnancy, building collapsejwinchell's review
5.0
This is such a compelling graphic memoir (my favorite genre within a genre) and I learned so much about Syria’s history and modern struggles. Muhammad Najem is such a special person and I hope we hear more from him as he moves along with his young life.
libraryrobin's review
3.0
Interesting and sad story of a Syrian boy trying to get the world's attention and help during bombings in Syria.
littlelikkel's review
5.0
This a graphic novel about a teenager living in Syria during the war. After a tragic loss, he decides to begin sharing photos and videos of the war effects on the children of Syria. This was a quick and easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the style of the illustrations and have never been so moved by a graphic novel.