Meli's life is turned upside down. The cause of this? A drawing of a pelican. Now Meli has to learn to live on the run, constantly looking over her shoulder. Let's hope Meli can make it to America, and to safety. I selected this book because I needed another book about war on my shelf. I chose it randomly, read the back and started reading. I completed this book because I had to know if they make it to safety. I also wanted to know if Mehmet would start behaving, and listening to his parents.I recommend this book to Noor because I really think she will like the characters. The plot is also very strong. Well-written story from the viewpoint of a young girl of her families plight as residents of Kosovo during ethnic cleansing. I will recommend it for preteens on up as it illustrates the type of grit a person must have to survive and emigrate to the U.S. to start over. At the end of the book, there is a synopsis of this country's history leading up to this period of unrest. No graphic details. Emphasis on family.
Excellent. The audience is more for young adults, but still an excellent, fast read for adults.
—Lijackson
Paterson does a great job with a time and place that is not often covered in childrens' books.
—vee
I am recommending it to my students and my friends. And then read Outcasts United.
—rhiannon
