SYNOPSIS (via Goodreads) Twelve-year-old Noura Alwan's family is granted asylum in the United States, after spending two years in a Turkish refugee camp, having fled war-torn Aleppo. They land in Tampa, Florida, on January 30, 2017, just days after the president restricted entry into the US from nations with a Muslim majority population. Twelve-year-old Jordyn Johnson is a record-breaking swimmer, but hasn't swum well since her mom had a miscarriage during one of her meets. Her family has volunteered to help the Alwan family through their church. She knows very few people of Arab descent or who practice Islam. The girls' lives intersect at Bayshore Middle School where Jordyn serves as the Alwan children's school ambassador. Noura knows that her family is safe from the civil unrest in her home country, but is not prepared for the adversity she now faces on American soil. Jordyn is sympathetic to Noura's situation, but there are other members of their Florida community who see the refugees' presence to be a threat to their way of life. While the president's Muslim ban tests the resolve and faith of many, it is friendship that stands strong against fear and hatred. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Just a week into his presidency, Donald Trump announced the Muslim Travel Ban. The ban meant that he number of immigrants admitted to US was lowered, supposedly to prevent terrorism, despite the countries affected posing no risk to the US. During this time, thousands of of protesters gathered at airports and other locations throughout the United States to protest against the order. Many took to social media as well, using the hashtags #MuslimBan and #GrandParentsNotTerrorists. The ban was lifted on March 6, 2017, but prejudice againsts Muslims, unfortunately, has not. MY REVIEW This is a spoiler-free review! Flying Over Water is an important book that reflects the experiences of many refugee families living in America in the current political climate. It brings awareness to issues surrounding Islamophobia and prejudice in way that is personal and easy for middle-schoolers to understand. The dual-narrative between Noura and Jordyn shows the way both characters face their fears and overcome big changes in their life. Noura's family is the the midst of rampant Islamophobia, but Jordayn's family helps them adjust to their new life and find happiness in their new life. Jordayn's side of the story also talks about how she deals with the aftermath of her mum's miscarriage, which leads to her suffering from severe anxiety. Noura, in turn, helps Jordyn deal with her trama. Through confiding their hardships to each other, the girls realize they have more in common with each other than they thought. This story also brings light to how different communities can come together and help each other out during times of difficulty. Flying Over Water deals with many deep issues, it doesn't only focus on the bad! It also showing the unity and friendship that is formed in the face of hardship, and how people of with different backgrounds and beliefs can come together in harmony. This book is perfect for classrooms and I hope to see more books like these in schools. Overall, this well-written, must-read book is great for all ages and is highly recommended! My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars) BOOK LINKS AUTHORS' INFORMATION Shannon Hitchcock is the author of One True Way, which received a starred review from Kirkus. The critically acclaimed Ruby Lee and Me was a nominee for the 2017-2018 Nebraska Chapter Book Golden Sower Award, Pennsylvania’s Keystone Award, Iowa’s Children’s Choice Award, Japan’s Sakura Medal, and Alaska and Montana’s Battle of the Books. She divides her time between Tampa, Florida, and Hendersonville, North Carolina. For more, visit her website at shannonhitchcock.com.
N.H. Senzai is the author of Shooting Kabul, which was critically acclaimed and on numerous award lists. Publishers Weekly called it “hard hitting, emotionally wrenching.” Her second book, Saving Kabul Corner, was nominated for an Edgar Award. She is also the author of Ticket to India and Escape from Aleppo. Ms. Senzai lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family. Visit her online at NHSenzai.com.
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