Other Words for Home - Jasmine Warga

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⭐ 8.5/10

(Originally written by Magdalene)

A beautiful little middle-grade book told in verse, in the voice of Jude, a young girl from Syria who leaves for the United States with her mom when things get dangerous.

Most of the book takes place in the States, as Jude has to adjust to life in a place so different from home, and with her dad and brother still in Syria. She's also one of the only Muslims in her school and is still learning English (her struggles with the language are so accurate). I've read similarly-themed books for adults that were better for me, but I'm just so glad that there are books like this out there for kids now.

I'd say read this with your kids NOW, but there is a bit of talk about periods and first crushes, in case you want to leave conversations about that for later.

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