Jude loves her life in Syria, but when strife and civil war encroach on her seaside town, she and her pregnant mother are sent to Cincinnati, Ohio, to live with her uncle. Her father stays home to run their store, while her brother becomes more involved in the revolt.

Jude struggles adjusting to life in America. She must learn English and make friends in a place where she is an outsider – disliked, mistrusted, and misunderstood by schoolmates, people in the community, and even her own American cousin. Despite her Middle Eastern accent, and against the advice of her Lebanese-American friend who prefers to operate behind the scenes, Jude tries out for the school play. She’s not the star, but she wins a speaking role. Little by little, Jude makes an American friend, discovers a Middle Eastern community, and creates a new life for herself.

Author, Jasmine Warga, tells this story in beautiful poetic verse that bypasses the brain and go straight to the heart. The poetry captures and conveys the complex feelings of a young Syrian refugee. This is an important book to help young people experience what it is like for Syrian refugees and Middle Eastern immigrants. To learn more about the author visit http://www.jasminewarga.com.