About This Book
Reach for this book when your child begins asking complex questions about the evening news, the refugee experience, or how different cultures are perceived in America. Meli's story begins with her family's narrow escape from the Kosovo War, trailing through grueling refugee camps before they are resettled in a quiet Vermont town. However, their arrival just before the September 11 attacks adds a poignant layer of complexity to their search for safety. It is a masterful exploration of how a family maintains its dignity and love while being uprooted by forces beyond their control. This story provides a safe space to discuss global conflict and the resilience required to build a new life in a foreign land. It is best suited for middle schoolers who are ready for a realistic but ultimately hopeful look at survival and identity.
