Other Words for Home

A 12-year-old Syrian girl named Jude lives with her family in a coastal city, where she watches American movies with her cousin Fatima and navigates daily life amid growing tensions from the civil war. When conditions worsen and Jude's mother becomes pregnant, they leave Syria for Cincinnati, Ohio, leaving behind Jude's father and brother Issa. Jude must adapt to life with her American relatives while carrying the weight of her Syrian identity and memories. Written in free verse, this Newbery Honor book follows Jude's journey as a young refugee finding her place in a new country, balancing two cultures, and learning to speak up in a different language. The narrative explores universal themes of belonging, family bonds, and the courage required to build a new life while honoring one's roots.

Readers connect with the honest portrayal of Jude's immigrant experience and her journey adjusting to American life. The verse novel format receives frequent mention for making the story accessible and emotionally resonant. What readers liked: - Authentic representation of Syrian culture and family dynamics - Thoughtful handling of serious topics for middle-grade readers - Effective use of verse to convey Jude's voice - Strong character development - Educational value about refugee experiences What readers disliked: - Some found the verse format challenging to follow - A few noted the plot moves slowly - Several mentioned wanting more depth in secondary characters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (21,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (800+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "The format made me feel Jude's emotions so deeply" - Goodreads reviewer "Every middle school should have this book" - Amazon reviewer "Struggled with the poetry style but loved the story" - Storygraph user

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai This verse novel follows a Vietnamese refugee who moves to Alabama during the Vietnam War and wrestles with identity, family, and belonging in her new home.

The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf A Muslim teen battles both her OCD and the racial violence of 1969 Malaysia while searching for her mother during the country's worst civil unrest.

The Lines We Cross by Randa Abdel-Fattah The daughter of Muslim refugees and the son of an anti-immigration activist in Australia find their worldviews challenged through their unexpected connection.

A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi A Syrian teenager flees his war-torn homeland with his family, facing perilous journeys and life-changing decisions as they seek safety in Europe.

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys Four teenagers from different backgrounds converge on a doomed ship during World War II while fleeing the advancing Soviet army toward promised safety.

★ The book received the John Newbery Honor in 2020, marking it as one of the most distinguished contributions to American children's literature that year. ★ Author Jasmine Warga drew inspiration from her father's immigrant experience and her Jordanian heritage to create Jude's story, though she herself was born and raised in Cincinnati. ★ The Syrian coastal city referenced in the book is likely inspired by Latakia, which was one of the few Syrian cities that remained relatively peaceful during the early years of the Syrian Civil War. ★ Free verse, the format chosen for this novel, has roots in Arabic poetry traditions dating back to the pre-Islamic period, making it a particularly meaningful choice for telling a Syrian girl's story. ★ Cincinnati, where Jude relocates, has historically been a significant refugee resettlement city, welcoming over 25,000 refugees since 1980.