
Reach for this book when your child begins asking deep questions about why people are forced to leave their homes or how faith can provide strength during impossible hardships. The Return follows thirteen-year-old Desta, an Ethiopian Jew, as she embarks on a perilous secret trek across borders to reach Israel. It is a powerful exploration of religious identity, the weight of grief, and the fierce resilience required to survive as a refugee. While the journey involves significant danger and loss, it serves as a testament to the human spirit and the search for a place where one truly belongs. This historical novel is ideal for middle schoolers ready to engage with complex global histories and the emotional realities of the immigrant experience.
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Sign in to write a reviewThemes of starvation, extreme poverty, and the pain of leaving one's homeland.
Characters face persecution and derogatory treatment based on their religion and background.
The book deals directly with death (including a sibling), starvation, and religious persecution. The approach is realistic and visceral but grounded in the protagonist's faith. The resolution is hopeful but acknowledges the trauma of the journey.
A thoughtful 12-year-old who is interested in social justice or family history and is ready to move beyond simple adventure stories into more nuanced historical tragedies.
Parents should be aware of a scene involving the death of Desta's brother, which is quite impactful. It is helpful to provide historical context regarding Operation Joshua and the Beta Israel community before starting. A parent might choose this after their child expresses confusion about refugee crises in the news or if the child is struggling to connect with their own cultural or religious heritage.
Younger readers (10-11) will focus on the survival and adventure elements, while older readers (13-14) will better grasp the political complexities and the internal conflict Desta feels regarding her identity.
Unlike many refugee stories that focus on European history, this highlights the specific, often overlooked experience of Black Jews and the unique intersection of African and Jewish identities.
Desta and her siblings are Beta Israel (Ethiopian Jews) living in a village where they face increasing persecution. Following the dream of returning to the Holy Land, they begin a secret, illegal journey on foot toward Sudan, hoping to be airlifted to Israel. Along the way, they face starvation, bandits, and the devastating loss of family members, forcing Desta to step into a leadership role she never expected.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.