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A review by thepetitepunk
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
4.0
Americans love labels.
They help them know what to expect.
Sometimes, though,
I think labels stop them from
thinking.
Due to the war in her hometown in Syria, Jude is sent with her mother to live in the United States with their relatives. In her new home, Jude, a 7th grader, wrestles with what it means to be Muslim in America while also trying to stay in touch with her brother and father back in Syria.
I had to keep reminding myself that Other Words For Home is a middle grade book. It definitely is—it’s narrated by a 7th grader—but there was no sugar-coating reality for the sake of a younger audience. Jasmine Warga does an excellent job of portraying serious real-world issues through the eyes of a child while maintaining a beautiful yet simple writing style. A short read, but one that will stick with you.
They help them know what to expect.
Sometimes, though,
I think labels stop them from
thinking.
Due to the war in her hometown in Syria, Jude is sent with her mother to live in the United States with their relatives. In her new home, Jude, a 7th grader, wrestles with what it means to be Muslim in America while also trying to stay in touch with her brother and father back in Syria.
I had to keep reminding myself that Other Words For Home is a middle grade book. It definitely is—it’s narrated by a 7th grader—but there was no sugar-coating reality for the sake of a younger audience. Jasmine Warga does an excellent job of portraying serious real-world issues through the eyes of a child while maintaining a beautiful yet simple writing style. A short read, but one that will stick with you.