mary078's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jenmkin's review against another edition
5.0
It's a novel in verse about growing up and the beginning of the discovery of identity, so of course I wanted to read it, and the writing itself followed through on that premise beautifully
heatherbermingham's review against another edition
5.0
Again, I'm struck by middle grade authors' ability to address big issues - in this case, Syria, the refugee experience, and Islamophobia - in ways that are true but also really age-appropriate. Jude and her mother leave her father and brother behind in Syria and move to America to live with her uncle and his family. I've never been in that situation, obviously, but Jude's voice seems very authentic, and I love that there are a variety of reactions to her at school and in the neighborhood. That also seems very true. I particularly like the way the book handles her cousin, Sarah. Sarah isn't very welcoming at first and it would have been easy for her to be a straight up bad guy, but the author (and Jude) treat her with a lot of grace, acknowledging that she also feels a bit torn between cultures and and a bit disconnected from her Syrian father's background. Just a really lovely book.
nerdygirlk's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
anna_pereira24's review against another edition
5.0
Such a wonderful and heartfelt story. I am so glad I bought this for the library. I can’t wait to recommend it for other kiddos.
ryleerosep99's review against another edition
3.0
Decent
This book was hard to get into. When I started to fall in love with the characters, the story ended and I wanted more.
This book was hard to get into. When I started to fall in love with the characters, the story ended and I wanted more.
sc104906's review against another edition
3.0
Jude lives in Syria, but as military tensions rise in her country, her family decides that the best place for Jude and her pregnant mother is living with her uncle's family in the United States. Jude has high hopes for her new home, but everything is very different from what she is used to and her cousin is not welcoming. No matter, Jude finds her way, makes new friends, and has her sights set on performing in the school's musical.
This novel in verse was well-written and beautiful. The emotions were strongly conveyed throughout the novel, though the action of the plot did stagnate at times. This is an important voice within the children's collection, it deserves recognition and is a strong contender for the award.
This novel in verse was well-written and beautiful. The emotions were strongly conveyed throughout the novel, though the action of the plot did stagnate at times. This is an important voice within the children's collection, it deserves recognition and is a strong contender for the award.
wynwicket's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75