Reviews with content warning for War - Other Words for Home

Reviews tagging 'War'

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

22 reviews

zombieracoon's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective tense 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

5.0

It's a wonderful and inspiring girl of an Arabic girl crossing an ocean and moving to America, and her journey and experiences in America.

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nytephoenyx's review against another edition

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hopeful medium-paced

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

4.0

This is a sweet story about a girl who immigrated from Syria to the United States. There’s some emotional moments, but the author was cautious about telling the story while maintaining its status as a children’s book, so it’s certainly not as heavy as it could be. Altogether a good story and I appreciate the representation.

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hotkoolaidpotato's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

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ruthypoo2's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective 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? No

5.0

This was a really wonderful middle grade book about the experience of a young girl, Jude, who must move from Syria with her mother to live with relatives in the United States. Jude is sad to leave behind her father who stays to continue operating the family business, and her older brother who is becoming dangerously aligned with militant factions.

The author, Jasmine Warga, captures Jude’s feelings of loss of home and everything familiar. The story describes what it’s like to feel an outsider, not know the language, be unsure how to fit in at a new school, and then eventually, the wonder of finding your place in a new country. Although Jude is dealing with the challenges of assimilation, she’s also reached a time in her life when she’s starting to mature and face the same insecurities as every other young person, regardless of their homeland or adopted home. Obviously, this is a common ground that can help forge new young relationships.

While the issues of migration, seeking asylum, bigotry, and bullying are heavy topics, this book addresses them in a way that can be understood and thoughtfully considered by a young reader. The author doesn’t dwell on the hardships experienced by Jude and her family, but paints a picture showing that there’s more to the background story of someone who’s new to America than most native citizens are aware. The storyline advocates that there’s much to be gained by welcoming someone who’s new to your country so you can share and learn from each other’s cultural heritage.

This is a very good book and I recommend it to readers of all ages.

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bookedandbusy's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I loved this book so much. It gave me so much perspective on a topic I’m generally very sheltered from, and I appreciated that! This is an important read for any age and I would recommend it!

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