Home of the Brave
by Katherine Applegate

Learning to assimilate to the American way of life is thrilling, exciting, fun, and confusing all at the same time. Kek is a refugee from Sudan living with his aunt and cousin in Minnesota. He knows that his father and brother were killed in the war, but he does not know the fate of his mother. While he waits for her, he learns how to speak English, goes to school, makes a few friends, and struggles to deal with all of the unknowns. He was comfortable and knew many things in Africa. In America, he is lost.

This story of a refugee's life and struggles in a new country is touching. The text in verse is the perfect format. I liked being able to read a section, then stop to ponder the emotions Kek was dealing with in each situation. I tried to imagine myself in his shoes and feel the gravity of his situation. What a powerful way to tell the often overlooked story of any refugee and the struggles they face when arriving to our over-the-top country. I'm glad the author dared to write a book on this topic for children and I am looking forward to sharing it with my students.

2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee