About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is asking complex questions about the evening news or grappling with the reality of the global refugee crisis. It is a powerful tool for fostering empathy and moving beyond headlines to understand the human cost of war. The story follows Tareq, a Syrian boy forced to flee his home after a bombing, navigating the terrifying journey through Turkey and across the Mediterranean toward Europe. While the subject matter is heavy, the book is written with a profound sense of hope and a focus on the kindness of strangers. It addresses themes of grief, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit. It is most appropriate for mature middle schoolers and high school students who are ready to engage with the realities of conflict while exploring what it means to be a global citizen. This is a choice for parents who want to cultivate social awareness and deep compassion in their children.
