Content: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Omar is a Somalian refugee living in a camp in Kenya with his non-verbal brother Hassan. His father is dead and his mother is missing. Omar has been in Dadaab for 7 years but has never been to school, he's smart, but he cares for his brother every day, so leaving him for the hours of school are difficult. When the opportunity to go to school, learn English and have a chance at a better life comes along, Omar has some tough decisions to make. The camp community is his family now, they've been refugees for over 7 years, and while always hoping to find their mom, it's time to make some plans incase their name shows up on the UN list for possible relocation.
What an inspirational, heartbreaking story! Omar's memoir is well told, and Jamieson's skills as storyteller and illustrator really come through. Engaging and poignant, this is an important book that will build empathy with my students who aren't refugees and really hit home with my students who are. The graphic novel format is perfect as well - so accessible!
Lisa Librarian
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