Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga, HarperCollins Publishers, ISBN 9780062747815
REVIEWED BY JIYA KAUR, 10, USA
Jiya Kaur reviewed her own copy of this book.
Other Words For Home is a heartbreaking, realistic fiction novel that will make you cry. It is told from the perspective of Jude, a Syrian girl who just recently moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. She struggles with being away from her brother and father, along with living in a new country. She has to learn the ropes of America, while worrying about her brother’s safety. This book teaches readers about how it feels to be new somewhere, and how it feels to not know anything about a place and then move there.
My favorite part in this book is when Jude first arrives at her class for ESL, or English as a Second Language, because it makes her feel like she belongs. It also helps her have a safe space, where she can be with people who understand her. My favorite quote is: “It’s bleeding!” This quote is when Jude tries steak for the first time, and she is convinced it’s bleeding. Her uncle Mazin tells her that it isn’t bleeding, that it’s perfect, which grosses her out even more. This book is a wonderful melancholy story that will leave you with hope, worry, fear, sadness, and pure joy.
This book is perfect for readers craving an emotional realistic fiction novel that will truly immerse them in the story. I recommend this book for ages 9 to 12, and I would rate it 5/5 stars. This book is not meant for younger readers, so it might not be the best choice for them. Overall, Other Words For Home is a superb bittersweet story.
Jiya Kaur is a regular reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read her earlier reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!
