A beautiful novel-in-verse by Kwame Alexander about friendship, first love, family and racism. I love Alexander's books and this one doesn't disappoint.

Considering the upcoming 20th anniversary of 9/11 and what is currently happening in Afghanistan, this book came to me at the perfect time. This lovely novel-in-verse begins on 9/11 when Abbey hears about the events unfolding in NYC, by her teachers at her school in Tennessee. Students are sent home, where she learns that her Aunt Rose, who works in the World Trade centre, is missing. Her mom is headed to NYC to be with her sister’s family. Not long after that she finds out her dad, who is in the army, will be headed to Afghanistan. This middle grade novel delves in the themes of loss, identity and family ties. Poignantly written and an honest reflection of what families faced that day and for a long time after 9/11.

Wow, wow, and wow! This remarkable journey of self-forgiveness and self-healing is a beauty. Young Norah and her father head to the canyon to climb and hike, like they have done so many times before. The reader quickly becomes aware of a deep grief they both hold and as the story progresses the reader discovers an unfathomable loss and tragedy they have lived through. Early on in their hike a natural disaster occurs, separating Norah and her father. Norah must fight through her pain, her memories,and her fear to save herself and find her father. As she endures nature's elements, with no water and supplies, she also must come to terms with her inner demons and trauma, to be able to overcome what she faces in the canyon. One thing that Norah says that stuck out to me, being a trauma survivor myself, was that we must not focus on our post-traumatic stress but rather our post-traumatic growth. This book is divine is so many ways and I cannot wait to share it with my students.

This book deserves all the praise and awards it has received. A powerful novel in verse that would be an important addition to any junior high or high school library

Kwame Alexander never fails to delight me in his books. Set in an African village just prior to the slave ships era, this book was not only captivating but also a learning experience for me. A powerful story about resilience in a time many people need to learn more about, Alexander has another homerun novel in verse. I also just discovered that this is the first in a trilogy, so I'm excited to read the next two books!

Read this wonderful novel-in-verse in one sitting and I love it so much! Nurah and her family have moved to Georgia from Pakistan and she is having difficulty adjusting to the differences between the American way of life and home. Nurah finds comfort in the pool, like she did at home, and finds joy and friendship there when she gets on the swim team. She faces intolerance and culture shock which impedes her happiness, but with passion and persistence she finds her way in her new life.