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“A Syrian teen grows up quickly when her family becomes refugees in Jordan…Safiya quickly learns that she must adapt in order to survive in this new country, living in a tent without a means of income or status…the themes of hard work and family triumph will resonate with many readers.”

– Kirkus Reviews

A House Without Walls

Written by Elizabeth Laird
Illustrated by Lucy Eldridge
Published by Macmillan Children's Books

Thirteen-year-old Safiya and her family have been driven out of Syria by civil war. Safiya knows how lucky she is – lucky not to be living in a refugee camp, and lucky to be alive. But it’s hard to feel grateful when she’s living in a tent in her cousin’s yard, forced to look after her father and brother rather than go back to school. And, now that she’s lost her home, she’s lonelier than ever.

As the family struggle to rebuild their lives, Safiya realizes that her family has always been incomplete, and with her own future in the balance, it’s time to uncover the secrets that war has kept buried.

This edition includes brilliant extra material, such as:

  • An introduction by Elizabeth Laird
  • Extra content from the author, including reading group questions

Primary ISBN:
Publication Date: August 2024
Available As: Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 09 or older

Community Represented: ,

Themes: , , , , ,

Setting: Syria, Jordan

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Refugee

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