Author: Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
Publisher: Dial Books
Date Published: April 14, 2020
Genre: Middle Grade, Memoir, Graphic Novel
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Thoughts:
- Omar and his brother were forced to leave their home in Somalia and travel to a refugee camp in Kenya. They were separated from their mother, so they were assigned a mother figure at the camp. Life isn't easy for the two brothers, and they are unsure of their future. Omar makes the hard decision to leave his brother each day and go to school. It is the first step of many that leads Omar to the life he has today.
- I loved this story about refugees and their trials. It made me so grateful for what I have, and gave me a desire to help those who need it. It also helped me better understand what refugees go through. The book does a wonderful job at portraying the struggle to create a better future, and the struggle of day to day life in the camps.
- The author's note was vital to fully understand Omar's story. I loved how Jamieson collaborated with Omar to help tell his story.
- The illustrations do a wonderful job at portraying the story. They add so much to the dialogue.
- My daughter (6th grader) also read the book, and she loved it. She is recommending it to her friends at school.
- This beautiful story is one that should be required reading in schools. It is informational, eye-opening, and a joy to read.
