Who Would Like This Book:
This beautifully written novel-in-verse offers a heartfelt look at the immigrant experience through the eyes of Jude, a brave Syrian girl navigating a new life in America. The free verse makes it a fast, lyrical read, and the story is both moving and accessible. It's a wonderful pick for upper elementary and middle school readers, but genuinely appealing to anyone interested in stories about resilience, identity, and empathy - including adults. Teachers will love this book for classroom discussions about immigration, friendship, and cultural understanding. Fans of "Inside Out & Back Again" or "Save Me a Seat" will find much to love here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers might find the ending a bit abrupt, with a few lingering questions about the immigration process and what happens next for Jude’s family. Those who prefer plot-heavy stories or lots of action may also find the quieter, introspective pace less engaging. If you’re looking for detailed depictions of the conflict in Syria or complex political themes, this book keeps the focus mostly on Jude’s personal journey rather than world events.
About:
Other Words for Home follows the story of Jude, a young Syrian girl who, along with her pregnant mother, flees war-torn Syria to live with her uncle's family in the United States. The book portrays Jude's journey of adjusting to a new country, new culture, and new language, while dealing with the challenges of being labeled as different and facing prejudice. Written in novel verse, the story offers insights into the life of a refugee trying to find a place to call home and keep her identity amidst the backdrop of immigration and cultural representation.
This middle-grade novel beautifully captures Jude's struggle to discover her identity and find her place in a new world, all while honoring her family and heritage. Through Jude's eyes, readers witness the raw emotions and challenges of modern immigration, shedding light on the often overlooked aspects of moving from one place to another, and the importance of finding acceptance and understanding in a new environment.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include discussions of war, mentions of discrimination and prejudice, and family separation which may be sensitive for some readers.
From The Publisher:
Newbery Honor Book
New York Times bestseller and Newbery Honor Book!
A gorgeously written, hopeful middle grade novel in verse about a young girl who must leave Syria to move to the United States, perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Aisha Saeed.
Jude never thought she'd be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives.
At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven't quite prepared her for starting school in the US-and her new label of "Middle Eastern," an identity she's never known before.
But this life also brings unexpected surprises-there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is.
This lyrical, life-affirming story is about losing and finding home and, most importantly, finding yourself.
Ratings (9)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (6) | |
Liked It (2) |
Reader Stats (15):
Read It (9) | |
Want To Read (4) | |
Not Interested (2) |
1 comment(s)
This book is so full of heart and truth and generosity. I loved every bit of it. Jude is such a lovable protagonist—I just want to hug her! Awesome middle grade material that really should be recommended to all ages.
What can you read after
Other Words for Home?
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
