A review by sarahrahrah
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

In the acknowledgements, Warga writes, "I would like to thank every bookseller and librarian who places books into the hands of kids who need them." I think that this is a fantastic middle grade story that would be especially meaningful to an Arab-American, but I also wish the everyone in the world would read it too -- it would certainly help build more empathy.

Among many poignant lines, this was one of my favorites:

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.

I loved the esl teacher And the four students in the class, and wish to one day have the bravery to return to the classroom to have such an impact on my students