For teens grappling with immense challenges or feeling daunted by their dreams, this memoir shows how perseverance and hope can lead to extraordinary achievements.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is struggling with motivation, perspective, or feeling that their goals are impossible. This inspiring memoir tells the true story of Mawi Asgedom, who fled civil war in Ethiopia and Eritrea, spent years in a Sudanese refugee camp, and then immigrated to America. The book chronicles his family's struggles with poverty, racism, and culture shock, and Mawi's journey to overcome these obstacles to graduate from Harvard. It’s a powerful testament to resilience, the strength of family, and the idea that one's attitude can transform one's life. It is an excellent choice for fostering empathy and demonstrating that great challenges can be overcome with hope and determination.
The family experiences prejudice, racist language, and being treated as outsiders.
ViolenceMild
Brief descriptions of a war zone and a school fight.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the realities of war (though not graphically), poverty, refugee life, and racism. Mawi's father dies of a heart attack brought on by a drunk driver, a deeply emotional and pivotal event. The family's faith is a source of strength, but the approach is personal rather than overtly religious. The overall resolution is exceptionally hopeful, focusing on achievement and gratitude.
Ideal Reader
A teenager (13-17) who is either an immigrant or refugee themselves and needs to see a story of success. Also, an ambitious teen who feels overwhelmed by pressure or obstacles and needs a dose of perspective and inspiration. It is also excellent for teens who have limited exposure to immigrant experiences and need to build empathy.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss the death of Mawi's father (Chapter 11, "A Hole in My Heart"). They should also be ready to talk about the casual and systemic racism Mawi and his family experience. The book is straightforward and does not require extensive pre-reading, but knowing about these key events can help frame conversations. A parent overhears their teen saying something like, "It's impossible, there's no way I can do this," or "Why is my life so hard?" The parent is looking for a real-life story to inspire grit and perspective.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely focus on the incredible story of survival and success, seeing it as a dramatic adventure. An older teen (15-18) will be better equipped to grasp the nuances of systemic challenges, cultural identity, the psychology of resilience, and the specific life lessons Mawi imparts from his father's teachings.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many memoirs that focus solely on the trauma of the refugee experience, this book's primary focus is on the mindset of overcoming adversity. It is structured around the life lessons Mawi learned from his family, making it less a simple narrative and more a guide to developing character, gratitude, and perseverance. The central concept of treating even "beetles" (negative people or experiences) as "angels" in disguise is a unique and memorable framing device.
Read plot summary
Mawi Asgedom's memoir recounts his early life in an Ethiopian and Eritrean war zone, his family's flight to a Sudanese refugee camp, and their eventual resettlement in a suburb of Chicago. He details the immense culture shock, language barriers, poverty, and racism they face. Guided by his father's wisdom and his own determination, Mawi transforms from a struggling student into a top scholar, athlete, and community member, ultimately earning a scholarship to Harvard University.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Mawi's father taught him to "treat all people, even the 'beetles,' as if they were angels in disguise." Can you think of a time Mawi did this? How did it change the outcome of the situation?
2
Mawi and his brother Tewolde took very different paths in America. Why do you think two brothers who experienced the same hardships ended up with such different futures?
3
Mawi describes feeling like an "un-American" for a long time. What specific events or interactions made him feel this way? What eventually helped him feel like he belonged?
4
At one point, a guidance counselor advises Mawi against applying to top-tier colleges. Why did she give him that advice, and what gave Mawi the courage to ignore it?
