Nowhere Boy
Written by Katherine Marsh
Published by Roaring Press Books
Nowhere Boy is a timely, poignant tale of family, sacrifice and the friendship between a young Syrian refugee and an American boy living in Brussels. Fourteen-year-old Ahmed is stuck in a city that wants nothing to do with him. Newly arrived in Brussels, Belgium, Ahmed fled a life of uncertainty and suffering in Syria, only to lose his father on the perilous journey to the shores of Europe. Now Ahmed’s struggling to get by on his own, but with no one left to trust and nowhere to go, he’s starting to lose hope. Then he meets Max, a thirteen-year-old American boy. Lonely and homesick, Max is struggling at his new school and just can’t seem to do anything right. But with one startling discovery, Max and Ahmed’s lives collide and a friendship begins to grow. Together, Max and Ahmed will defy the odds, learning from each other what it means to be brave and how hope can change your destiny. Set against the backdrop of the Syrian refugee crisis, award-winning author Katherine Marsh delivers a gripping, heartwarming story of resilience, friendship and everyday heroes.
Primary ISBN: 9781250307576
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
Chapter Book, Age 09 or older
Community Represented: Moroccan/Moroccan American, Syrian/Syrian American
Themes: Allyship, Cross-Group Friendship, Education & Literacy, Engagement Tool: Discussion, Engagement Tool: I'm Your Neighbor Books Created, Family Separation: By Detention, Family Separation: On Journey, Recommended: "Cartography" Companion Reads, Refugee Journey, Refugee: War/Conflict, Religious Background: Muslim, Trauma & Healing: Death of Family or Friend, Unaccompanied Minors, Welcoming by Individual
Setting: Belgium (Brussels), United States (Charlottesville, VA)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Refugee
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Written with Cultural Advisors
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The guide includes Discussion Questions, Teaching Opportunities on the Syrian Crisis and other topics, Vocabulary, and Modifications for ELL’s and Enrichment. Co-created by I’m Your Neighbor Books and DiversifiED.