
A parent might reach for this book when helping a child understand the experiences of refugees or preparing for a new foster sibling. This dual narrative story follows Noura, a Syrian refugee, and Jordyn, her American foster sister, who are both competitive swimmers. As they navigate cultural differences, school, and the looming threat of a travel ban, they discover a powerful sisterly bond. It gently explores themes of belonging, empathy, and what it means to be family. Perfect for middle grade readers, it offers a hopeful, character driven way to start conversations about current events and the importance of welcoming others.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals directly with the refugee experience, including past trauma from the war in Syria (handled gently, without graphic detail) and the stress of family separation. It directly addresses anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim prejudice. The approach is secular, though the Muslim faith of Noura's family and the Christian faith of Jordyn's family are presented as important parts of their identities. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing the strength of their new family bond, while remaining realistic about the ongoing political challenges refugees face.
A child aged 9-12 who is grappling with big questions about fairness and current events. It is perfect for a child in a family that is fostering, sponsoring, or otherwise welcoming newcomers, as it gives voice to the host child’s complex feelings. Also for any child who feels like an outsider and needs a story about finding belonging in an unexpected place.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the concept of a travel ban and why people become refugees. The scene at the public pool where Noura's mother is targeted for wearing a hijab (Chapter 15) is a key moment to discuss prejudice. The authors' notes at the back are excellent for providing context for both parents and children. A parent hears their child asking questions about refugees on the news or repeating something prejudiced they heard at school. Or, a family is preparing to become a foster family and wants to open a conversation about what to expect.
A younger reader (8-9) will connect most with the friendship, the swimming rivalry, and the clear emotional journey of learning to be a sister. An older reader (10-12) will better understand the political stakes of the travel ban, the nuances of cultural identity, and the social injustice the characters face.
The dual narrative is the book's greatest strength. By giving equal weight to both the refugee girl and the American host sister, it provides a unique 360-degree view of the experience of welcoming. It’s a powerful tool for building empathy, moving beyond a story *about* a refugee to a story about connection and community.
Twelve-year-old Noura, a Syrian refugee and competitive swimmer, arrives in Florida with her family to live with a foster family. Her new foster sister, Jordyn, is also a twelve-year-old competitive swimmer who is struggling with her parents' focus on fostering. Told in alternating perspectives, the story follows the two girls as they navigate cultural misunderstandings, prejudice at school and in the community, and the anxiety of a new U.S. travel ban that threatens to separate Noura’s family. Their shared love for the water becomes a bridge that helps them forge a powerful, sisterly bond.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.