Her voice is both wise and naive, her responses credible, and her bravery admirable and accessible. Jude is keenly aware of who she is-a sister, daughter, cousin, niece, friend-even as she works out the nuances of these roles.
Friendships, complicated family relationships, Islamophobia, and a new language are just a few of the layers Warga weaves into Jude’s consciousness. The novel’s blank verse form works beautifully to capture Jude’s tumultuous emotions as she adjusts to her new life. Jude and her mother leave, moving in with Uncle Mazin and his family in Cincinnati. But there’s trouble on the horizon, and Jude’s brother, Issa, gets involved in the resistance movement. Growing up in a coastal town in Syria, Jude’s days revolve around her family and best friend, watching movies, and going to school. Other Words for Home is bound to be a modern classic.From start to finish, Warga’s middle-grade debut puts its hands around your heart and holds it, ever so gently, so that you’re aware of your own fragility and resilience-just as Jude is while her life changes drastically from one day to the next. This book is a must read for Grades 4 and up, and is perfect for fans of Wonder and Jason Reynolds. Warga tackles the story of refugees, Islamophobia and growing up in a sensitive, thoughtful way. In her new country, when she wears her hijab for the first time, what is supposed to be a special moment is marred by hostile looks and cruel words from strangers. In Syria, she had a warm family and a place where she belonged. In Syria, Jude was at the top of her class - the best at English.Īt her new school, she is relegated to a special class for English language learners. Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga is a middle-grade novel in verse about a young refugee’s journey from Syria to America and from childhood to young adulthood. To protect her and her pregnant mother, Jude’s father decides to send them away from Syria to live with her uncle in America.
The newspaper starts to talk about a civil war erupting in her country. He talks about overthrowing the president, words that can get someone thrown into jail - or worse. Her gentle older brother starts to argue with their parents about freedom and democracy. Her hometown is a picturesque seaside town full of hotels, tourists and ice cream. Jude is a typical 12-year-old: She loves hanging out with her best friend, begging for chocolate bars at her father’s shop, she loves pop music and movies starring Reese Witherspoon. Is it the place where you are or where you come from?Ĭan a strange new country ever feel like a place that you belong?
0 kommentar(er)
