This is the kind of book that does the hard work of building empathy without feeling like homework. Jasmine Warga's verse novel makes a Syrian refugee's story immediate and personal, following Jude as she navigates Cincinnati, new family dynamics, prejudice, and the ache of leaving half her family behind.

The Newbery Honor is well-deserved—this is accessible, beautifully written, and tackles a critical moment in recent history through a child's eyes. Parents consistently report it sparks important conversations, though many note you'll want to read it together or be ready to discuss the Syrian civil war context.

It's not a light read emotionally, but it's hopeful and age-appropriate. The school musical subplot and new friendships balance the heavier displacement themes. If your kid is ready to engage with real-world complexity and can handle family separation storylines, this is a must-read that'll stick with them.