Novel in Verse
332 pages

Jude and her mother leave Syria because the violence is getting closer and closer to their home, and Jude’s mother is expecting a baby.  Her father and brother remain home to keep their store running and hope for peace.  It’s a difficult choice but totally understandable.

Life in America is different.  Her uncle’s family shares their beautiful home with them, but it’s still hard to live in a country with a new language and culture.  However, Jude finds her way.  She takes all the parts of herself: music, humor, standing up for what’s right, her hijab, wanting to be a star on stage, her memories and her hopes for the future, and somehow makes it work.

I would recommend this book to any middle school student who understands that being true to yourself takes a bit of courage, but it is what matters most in life.