A couple of years ago we volunteered through Catholic Charities to be a host family to a refugee family in Nashville. This warm generous family welcomed us to their home and although there was a language barrier for the adults that made conversation difficult, the children took off to play and came back smiling and exhausted two hours later. Then federal funding for the program was cut and the kind interpreter who had facilitated and made everything possible was laid off and the program ended. And although we've emailed a couple of times, we haven't seen them again. They have family in the area and I know they are well taken care of by their family.
All this to say is that children have a wonderful capacity to understand and empathize with other children. They understand that fundamentally other children are the same as they are and they can find common play when given time and space, and maybe just a little direction. And this book highlights that capacity.
Jude, a seventh grader, leaves Syria with her pregnant mother and goes to live with an uncle in Cincinnati. At first things are overwhelming and even her cousin Sarah, who should be a ready friend for Jude, is distant and judgmental of Jude's differences. It's hard to remember that being in middle school is all about not wanting to stand out in any way that isn't socially acceptable. You can be a star athlete or the lead in a school play, but you better not wear different clothes from anyone or speak another language. It's a harsh time.
But Jude, though initially shy and overwhelmed by her new surroundings and new "home" finds her own path and her own voice. She sticks up for the people who matter to her, even when carrying a heavy emotional burden of her father and brother remaining behind in Syria.
Although written for middle aged readers, the book was moving and well written. Definitely a five star read I would encourage for middle readers.
5/5 Stars.
No comments:
Post a Comment