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“Yusra, a young Syrian woman, travels at the age of 17 with her older sister to escape the war in her country…In clipped quatrains—no line exceeds four syllables—the story relates Yusra Mardini’s journey from Syria in 2015, culminating in her participation in the 2016 Olympics as part of a team of refugees. Abery’s choice of spare, rhythmic verse gives the narrative a gripping and dramatic feel while Deng’s illustrations convey the struggles of war and displacement. Yusra is portrayed throughout as a strong and resilient young woman, determined and full of courage.”

– Kirkus Reviews

Yusra Swims

Written by Julie Abery
Illustrated by Sally Deng
Published by Creative Editions

The true story of Yusra Mardini.

Yusra Mardini loves to swim. As a girl in Damascus, she dreams about swimming for her country in the Olympics. But then war intervenes. Julie Abery’s spare, rhyming verse relates the story of Yusra’s journey from her beloved home in Syria to a sinking boat on the Aegean to Germany, where Yusra finally swims again and realizes her dream.

Primary ISBN: 9781568463292
Publication Date: February 2020
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 06 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , ,

Setting: Syria (Damascus), Greece (Lesbos), Germany (Berlin)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Home Country, On Journey, Refugee

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