Other Words for Home

By Jasmine Warga

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.

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368 pages

Average rating: 8.28

29 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Fonky_Brewster
Fonky_Brewster
10/10 stars
I don't cry easily for books. I don't know what my problem is - I swear I'm not a narcissist or a sociopath. I didn't know what part of [b:Where the Red Fern Grows|10365|Where the Red Fern Grows|Wilson Rawls|https:i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1518702249l/10365._SY75_.jpg|115] was supposed to make me sad. I didn't get the appeal of [b:The Fault in Our Stars|11870085|The Fault in Our Stars|John Green|https:i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1360206420l/11870085._SY75_.jpg|16827462]. I think [b:Steel Magnolias|243308|Steel Magnolias|Robert Harling|https:i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387751060l/243308._SX50_.jpg|235723] is incredibly stupid. But Other Words for Home wrecked me. I closed the book only 20 minutes ago, and I have a hole in my heart you could drive a Semi through. This book consistently made me chuckle and then, in turn, grasp my chest in something very near to physical hurt.
I hope very many teachers share with their students to this wonderful book, as well as librarians and parents. I hope it opens up the floor to some very genuine conversations. I hope children see themselves in the wonderful Jude and her hopes, and sadness, and vulnerabilities.
KrisPaw
KrisPaw
Za'atar Restaurant
BrandeeD
BrandeeD
10/10 stars
So fantastic!! It is hard to start a new life in a new country but bravery, faith, and love can do miraculous things!!
happeninheidi
happeninheidi
8/10 stars
This book was such a quick read! Loved Jude. There are so many things I really appreciated about this book so much, but can we please just admire the gorgeous cover!!! But also love the representation this book provides. Great middle grade!

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