Other Words for Home facts for kids

Other Words for Home is a special book written in 2019 by Jasmine Warga. It's a children's book told in "free verse." This means it's like a long poem, but it tells a story. The book is about a young girl and her family who are Syrian refugees. They have to leave their home in Syria and move to a new country.

This powerful story won a big award in 2020 called the Newbery Honor. It's one of the most important awards for children's books in the United States.

Discovering Other Words for Home

This book tells the story of Jude, a twelve-year-old girl from Syria. Her life changes completely when war comes to her home. Jude and her pregnant mother must leave their country. They travel to America to live with Jude's uncle and his family.

Leaving everything behind is very hard for Jude. She misses her father and older brother, who stay in Syria. She also misses her best friend. Starting over in a new place is a big challenge.

Jude's New Life in America

When Jude arrives in America, everything feels different. She lives in a busy city called Cincinnati, Ohio. The language is new, and the customs are strange. Jude feels like an outsider at first.

She tries to learn English quickly. She also tries to make new friends at school. It's not easy, but Jude is brave. She finds comfort in small things, like the ocean and new friendships. She also finds a love for acting.

What is Free Verse?

Other Words for Home is written in a style called free verse. This means the story is told using lines that look like poetry. However, these lines do not have to rhyme. They also don't have a strict rhythm.

Free verse lets the author express feelings and ideas in a very personal way. It can make the story feel more emotional. It helps readers understand Jude's thoughts and experiences deeply.

Important Lessons from the Story

The book explores many important ideas. It shows what it's like to be a refugee. It also shows the strength of families.

Finding a New Home

One main idea is about finding a new home. This isn't just a physical place. It's also about finding where you belong. Jude learns that home can be where your family is. It can also be where you feel safe and accepted.

She discovers that a new place can become home. This happens as she builds new friendships. It also happens as she learns to speak English. She starts to feel more comfortable in her new surroundings.

Facing Challenges

Jude faces many challenges in the book. She deals with feeling different. She also deals with people who don't understand her culture. Sometimes, people are not kind because she is from Syria.

The book shows how Jude learns to be strong. She learns to speak up for herself. She also learns to find her own voice. This helps her overcome difficulties.

Family and Friendship

Family is very important in Jude's story. Her bond with her mother helps her through tough times. She also connects with her uncle's family. They help her adjust to her new life.

Friendship is also a big part of the book. Jude makes new friends who support her. These friendships help her feel less alone. They show her that kindness can be found anywhere.

Awards and Recognition

Other Words for Home received a Newbery Honor in 2020. The Newbery Medal is one of the oldest and most respected awards for children's literature. It is given each year by the American Library Association.

Winning a Newbery Honor means the book is considered one of the best children's books published that year. This award helps more people discover Jude's story. It also highlights the important themes in the book.

About the Author

Jasmine Warga is the author of Other Words for Home. She is known for writing books for young readers. Her stories often explore themes of identity, family, and finding your place in the world.

Jasmine Warga writes in a way that helps young people connect with her characters. She wants her readers to understand different experiences. Her books often encourage empathy and understanding.