nytephoenyx's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Pregnancy, and Islamophobia
ruthypoo2's review
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Islamophobia
Minor: Pregnancy and War
bookedandbusy's review against another edition
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Islamophobia, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Pregnancy, War, and Violence
goldyyy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Islamophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Hate crime and Pregnancy
Minor: War, Racial slurs, and Religious bigotry
jax00's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
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? It's complicated
5.0
This book is very emotional. It does a good job of showing Jude's want to be Syrian and American. But does not downplay either.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia and Xenophobia
Moderate: Hate crime and Pregnancy
Minor: War and Death
lalaslibrary's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia, Hate crime, Pregnancy, and War
skylerher's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This book is great. Everyone should read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia
Moderate: Pregnancy and War
decklededgess's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
trigger warnings: war, gun violence, islamophobia, bullying, harassment, grief, pregnancy
This was such a sweet book. I loved that the author chose to highlight this book as from someone who is proud of her heritage but coming to terms with the multifaceted life of being an immigrant. I loved how powerful the family love was and how despite having a whole host of problematic twiddles, they all had a learning curve and grew over the course of the book. I appreciated how the grief of leaving one's family and home affected the main character.
Such a well done book!
This was such a sweet book. I loved that the author chose to highlight this book as from someone who is proud of her heritage but coming to terms with the multifaceted life of being an immigrant. I loved how powerful the family love was and how despite having a whole host of problematic twiddles, they all had a learning curve and grew over the course of the book. I appreciated how the grief of leaving one's family and home affected the main character.
Such a well done book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Grief, Pregnancy, Islamophobia, Gun violence, and Bullying
charlottesomewhere's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
Absolutely lush story about Jude, who has left Syria with her pregnant mother and is trying to find her place in America. Touches on being a Muslim after a terrorist attack. A great read, definitely recommend this one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Islamophobia and Pregnancy
amberinbookland's review against another edition
fast-paced
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Genocide, Hate crime, Islamophobia, Pregnancy, Rape, and Violence