Reviews with content warning for Xenophobia - Other Words for Home

I don’t normally expect to be blown away by a middle grade novel, but this was stunning. What an incredible portrayal of a Muslim immigrant girl in middle America. Warga has that beautiful quality to her writing where she can bring the plot along while simultaneously giving me poetic lines I want to ponder on for awhile. I was most struck by her description of being an ESL kid. Being a 12 year-old is already a LOT. But to do middle school in the Midwest, coming from Syria and not having a strong grasp on the language? Wow. That is next level strength. The other kids in the ESL class were so sweet, as was Jude’s relationship with them. Jude’s other relationships with her mother, her cousin, her other friends at school were all quite realistic and multi-layered. In Jude‘s culture, girls start wearing a hijab when they first get their period, and watching Jude’s experience of this was very enlightening. I learned and felt a lot during this short but impactful novel.

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sunnyreads's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful 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? Yes

5.0

I cried at the end during the author's note. Other Words for Home is a beautifully written story of Jude, a young Syrian girl fleeing her war-torn country with her pregnant mama for America, which is too loud and too fast for her in the beginning, leaving behind her Baba and brother. It's such a lovely story about home and family. I listened to it on audio and highly enjoyed it in that format.

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lauries_library's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring 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

As someone who doesn’t read a lot of middle-grade books, I was surprised to read one so vulnerable and realistic about xenophobia. I think it’s incredible that these diverse and necessary books are hitting shelves. As a kid, I never saw an Arab girl in the media, let alone one who was proud of her family and from where she came. I wish my 11-year-old self (and all the kids who called me a terrorist and stripped away my culture and language) had this book.

My only critique is that the format did nothing for me and felt pointless.

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repunzee's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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deedireads's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

All my reviews live at https://deedispeaking.com/reads/.

TL;DR REVIEW:

Other Words for Home is a middle grade novel written in verse, told from the perspective of a young Syrian girl who comes to live in the US. And yes, it’s as beautiful and moving as it sounds.

For you if: You want to read more novels written in verse, and/or novels about xenophobia and Islamophobia.

FULL REVIEW:

“Just like I am no longer
a girl.
I am a Middle Eastern girl.
A Syrian girl.
A Muslim girl.

Americans love labels.
They help them know what to expect.
Sometimes, though,
I think labels stop them from
thinking.”

This was Malala’s December book club pick with Literati (https://bit.ly/35IyaBA). It probably wouldn’t have landed on my radar without them, but I’m so glad it did! This was a quick, moving, beautifully told story that will stick with me.

Other Words for Home is a middle grade novel written in verse. (That alone would catch my attention.) It’s written from the perspective of a preteen named Jude, a young Syrian girl who comes to live in the US. (Sign me UP for this book.) The story starts in Syria, where she lives with her mother, father, and brother. When political tensions escalate and her mother becomes pregnant, she and Jude go to live with Jude’s uncle near Cincinnati. There, she finds a cousin who’s also growing into herself, a new best friend, acceptance and prejudice, and even a place in her own spotlight.

This book is everything I love about well-done middle grade — heartwarming and resonant, a hug and a statement. I learned new things about Jude’s culture, and I saw new experiences through her eyes. I hope it reaches so, so many young people. But this one will stick with me, and I think it will stick with anyone — young people and adults alike.

FYI, I received this book for free in my capacity as a Literati ambassador. I also borrowed the audiobook from the library to listen along while I read, and it was beautifully performed.

TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Xenophobic and Islamophobic words and actions; Family members who are missing; Pregnancy and childbirth

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