Wednesday, July 21, 2021

FCPL 2021 July Reading Challenge Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

 

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

Jude, who is sent with her mother to the safety of a relative's home in Cincinnati when her hometown in the Middle Eastern country of Syria is overshadowed by violence, worries for the family members and friends who were left behind as she adjusts to a new life with unexpected surprises. 

Although my childhood in many ways was very different from Jude’s, I found her very relatable as she dealt with many things that all young people deal with -- feeling different and left out, navigating new friendships, and just wanting to be heard and understood. Jude, who loves '80s American pop music and movies and wants to be an actress, has a very likable, open, and welcoming personality. I felt as if I were experiencing her disappointments and triumphs right along with her, and I couldn’t help but root for her!

I would recommend this book to kids in grades 4 and up, including teens and adults who want an enjoyable read and to learn about people from other backgrounds and cultures. But again, I would recommend it to any young reader looking for a book about friendships and the struggles of being a tween, regardless of culture.

Jeanne McMahan
Information Specialist
Sharon Forks Library
#WeKnowBooks

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