Escape From Aleppo
N.H. Senzai, Author
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, Fiction, Jan. 2, 2018
Suitable for Ages: 8-12
Themes: Family, War, Refugees, Syria, Bravery, Survival, Hope, Freedom
Publisher Synopsis:
Silver and gold balloons. A birthday cake covered in pink roses. A new dress.
Nadia stands at the center of attention in her parents’ elegant dining room. This is the best day of my life, she thinks. Everyone is about to sing “Happy Birthday,” when her uncle calls from the living room, “Baba, brothers, you need to see this.” Reluctantly, she follows her family into the other room. On TV, a reporter stands near an overturned vegetable cart on a dusty street. Beside it is a mound of smoldering ashes. The reporter explains that a vegetable vendor in the city of Tunis burned himself alive, protesting corrupt government officials who have harassed his business. Nadia frowns.
It is December 17, 2010: Nadia’s twelfth birthday and the beginning of the Arab Spring. Soon anti-government protests erupt across the Middle East and, one by one, countries are thrown into turmoil. As civil war flares in Syria and bombs fall across Nadia’s home city of Aleppo, her family decides to flee to safety in Turkey. Nadia gets trapped and left behind when a bomb hits their home. She is alone and must find a way to catch up with her family. There are many detours along the way and an old man tries to help her. Inspired by current events, this novel sheds light on the complicated situation in Syria that has led to an international refugee crisis, and tells the story of one girl’s journey to safety.
Why I like this book:
N. H. Senzai has written a timely story that explores the culture and history of Syria as it moves from normalcy to the harsh realities of civil war, as witnessed by Nadia. The author weaves chapters into the story depicting life before the war begins giving readers a feel for family and life in Syria. Nadia enjoys birthday parties, painting her nails, playing with her cat, watching Arab’s Got Talent and shopping in the markets.
Senzai’s powerful storytelling and vivid imagery draws readers into Nadia’s harrowing experience. Her journey is quite extraordinary as she befriends other Syrians along the way, an old man and two orphans. The elderly book binder, Ammo Mazen, promises to help Nadia reach the Turkish border, but it is a round about journey, with some unusual characters and missions involved. Just who is this mysterious Ammo Mazen? But he protects Nadia and the two orphans and navigates them around rebels groups, the Syrian Army, and ISIS fighters. As they journey across the Old City, readers catch a glimpse of Nadia memories of the colorful shops and a lively community, which is in stark contract to the crumbling city before her. There are many road blocks, but Nadia turns her fear into a strong determination to survive and reunite with her family.
This plot is gripping, suspenseful, heart-wrenching and hopeful. Readers will experience what it means to be displaced from their home, family and lifestyle. It raises questions for readers about how they would survive if everything they know is gone in a flash and they are thrust into a war-torn environment. Would they be able to survive? This is tough and timely read for youth trying to grasp what they are seeing and hearing on television about this complicated and troubled country. They are able to experience the human side of war through Nadia. This is a must read and belongs in school libraries.
N.H. Senzai is the author of the acclaimed Shooting Kabul, which was on numerous state award lists and an NPR Backseat Book Club Pick. Its companion, Saving Kabul Corner, was nominated for an Edgar Award. Visit the author at her website.
Greg Pattridge is the host for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.
This sounds like an incredibly gripping story. And so timely with what is going on in Syria now. Thanks for sharing it.
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It is gripping and hopeful. Great way for teens to experience the human side of war and ask questions.
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Sounds intriguing. Marking it as one to read. Thanks!
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I think you will be spired by this very determined heroine.
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Sadly such a timely book. Thanks for reminding me that it’s available now.
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Yes, I feel the same way. Hope you give it some more book love.
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HIgh on my list of books to read and after reading your thoughts, it is on the top. So sad that parts of the world face life in such a terrible way. Thanks for featuring this one.
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I am glad you plan to read it because I want to see this word of this novel spread. Belongs in every school. And, it’s a book adults can read with their teens. I think I felt helpless to do anything, until I saw a bunch of sites listed where people can donate to qualified organizations working in the area.
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Shooting Kabul was an incredible book, so I’m reading this one, too. Thanks for the recommendation, Patricia!
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I have heard about her first two books and plan to read them. Thanks for the heads up!
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Sounds like an important, powerful story that real kids are living. Thank you for sharing.
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It is a powerful story about a troubled country. It is so hard to think about how many children are suffering worldwide. That’s why it is important future generations are educated through stories that inspire them into action.
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I read Shooting Kabul and really enjoyed it. I’m sure this one won’t disappoint me either.
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Glad to know. I plan to read a copy — there is a second book too.
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Thank you for bringing this book to my and others’ attention. It sounds like great book to help kids to understand some of the sad current reality. I found Shooting Kabul excellent, as well.
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Then I am certain that you would find this book an excellent read! Senzai is knew to me, so I have some catching up to do.
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Sounds like quite a story. Going to see if we have this one. Always good to be reminded how fortunate we are and how much trouble there is in the world. We and our kids need to be aware of this.
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I agree. I think it is a good book for families to read together. And, it definitely belongs in every school library.
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It’s good for children to read books like this told from a child’s point of view. No doubt it will raise questions but that is what books should do. Thanks for bringing this book to our attention.
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I agree because it brings the story close to home. It’s an important way for teens to experience the human side of war. And, it makes them think about what they would do if they were in Nadia’s situation. Would they have what it takes to survive?
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This sounds like a terrific book. Thanks for telling me about it. I’ll check it out.
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I think you’d really enjoy this book. I hope you review it for the paper and on your website!
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I’m so glad Nadia’s story resonated with you! Sadly, there are many Nadia’s all around the world and I hope her voice raises awareness.
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Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment! I am on a mission to share as many refugee stories as I can this year! I hope Nadia’s story reaches school libraries so her voice can be heard!
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Wow… this book sounds moving and powerful in so many ways. It sounds as intense as it is gripping, and especially more ‘real’ with the war in Syria today (including the recent air strikes). Thank you for your review!
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You are welcome. It is a gripping read, but it also focuses on Nadia finding her voice and inner strength to reunite with her family.
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