Let’s start with the cover. It's just so beautiful!

Told entirely in first-person free verse, Other Words for Home is a middle-grade book that follows Jude (pronounced Joo-deh), a Muslim Syrian girl who, with her pregnant mother, leaves her happy life in Syria to escape to America when things at home grow violent and uncertain. She is separated from her father, brother and best friend.

This is an emotional story about leaving the comforts of home because of an impending war, the ache of being separated from loved ones, change, integrating to a new country, being brave, and finding hope. The story also tells about prejudice, discrimination, and Islamophobia - but in a way that is appropriate for a younger audience.

Jude is such a sweet, lovable and realistic character. She's confident yet vulnerable. She manages to stay strong and inspirational despite going through a lot. I particularly love the part of the book when Jude starts to wear her hijab, that it is her choice. The author tells about how differently Jude is treated once she starts wearing it, but despite the rejection the support felt louder, more powerful, and more important.

Jasmine Warga then beautifully weaves in the stories of two other young, Muslim women as well—Sarah, Jude’s cousin and, Laila, the daughter of two Syrian restaurant owners. While Jude's story is that of an immigrant's experience first-hand, Laila and Sarah’s stories reveal the struggles of newer generations of immigrants.

This was such a beautiful, immersive and emotional experience. I love the presence of Arabic proverbs throughout the novel as well. I wish there was more about Jude's seaside town in Syria, her life and friends in the story.

There is an Arabic proverb that says:
She makes you feel like a loaf of freshly baked bread.
It is said about the nicest kindest people. The type of people who help you rise.

Even though it’s labeled as a middle-grade novel, this could easily be read by those who normally don’t read that genre. I highly recommend this book!