Safia Elhillo

From NPR: "More than anything, the book exquisitely captures how the questions about where we come from can take over our life. It's a portrait of perspective, which holds up a mirror to show that ultimately, we are telling our own stories, and we can choose to see them differently. With my eyes heavy from reading late into the night, I finished Home is Not a Country with the feeling of walking out of a movie theater into the sunshine, where the world feels brighter and inexplicably more hopeful than when you last left it."… (más)

This novel in verse kept me up all night. What a treat of language, powerful exploration of a cultural experience with which I am totally unfamiliar. Nima, our main character, feels disconnected from the culture (Sudanese Arab Muslim) from which her mother came and the American culture surrounding her now. She is isolated and alone, and the book beautifully captures the pain and loneliness that is so intrinsic to the teen experience. Being written in verse lends itself well to the supernatural/out-of-body experience that creates the opportunity to explore the past, leaving this book in a realistic setting despite a dive into the spirit world.

Readers of all ages and cultural backgrounds will relate to the tribulations of growing up and developing an identity. The poetic voice of the authors verse provides power and depth, vividly taking the reader through the bullying and racism experienced daily by many students of color and cultures. Despite much hurt and hardship, Nima's story ends with hope and love, depicted as honestly and realistically as the tragedy and struggle. A wonderful book. Highly recommended… (más)