Welcome to Nowhere

Itz awsome book...must read it.

When we think of war zones, we rarely think of the people stranded there as anything but numbers, a brief stab of pain, a boat full beyond its capacity, a row of dead bodies or children with smiles lost in ashes from the shelling. And once we turn the page of the paper, or change the channel, it gets reduced to another piece pf news. This is truer for our children whom we protect from the heinous reality. They know there are places torn by war and sometimes rattle some mugged up facts about them and then dash off to play football.This makes Elizabeth Laird's Welcome to Nowhere an important book that everyone must read. It follows the story of 12-year-old Syrian boy, Omar who is content with his ordinary life and dreams of being a businessman someday. Soon, he and his family get caught in one of the bloodiest chapter of human history and they must move away.Welcome to Nowhere allows us to peek into a refugee's life, something that we keep ourselves away from. It is important that our kids read it. The younger one has read it, and heartily recommends it. I shall try not to drone on about its importance. All I can say is that it is fast-paced, and got me hooked right from the first page- the characters, their changing relationships, their shared fear and grief- all of it grips you and leaves you with a sort of a disquiet knowing that although this is fiction, it is true for someone, somewhere.#MiddleGrade#EssentialRead

terrible book.

I really enjoyed this book and it gave me a more simple introduction to the life of a refugee but for once through the eyes of a kid, and not via a documentary or the news. i found it refreshing to be reminded of the humanity in other people, that transcends borders and different cultural backgrounds. it felt relateable, even if it was under different circumstances that I may never experience in my life.

I cannot stress how much me and my 10 year old son enjoyed this book... we have read all of Elizabeth Laird's books (I think!) and cannot get enough of her! We first borrowed this book from the library but I felt that it was important to have in our collection so bought it. This was a really wonderful story about such poignant issues in today's world and in particular the children of Syria. The author has an incredible talent for bringing really topical political and historical issues to life in a way which makes them extremely accessible and a great introduction for the younger reader. Because of the some of the sensitive issues which she covers I have always wanted to read the books with my son - which is a bonus for me as a) I get to read great books and b) we really share the experience and have a chance to talk and chat about what she writes about. The information provided at the end of this book about the refugee camps written about has inspired my son to want to do something to help - which makes me proud. We can't wait for her next book. Everyone should read this one.

I enjoyed every minute of this book and it really makes you think about what happens in Syria and the effects that happen. It did take a few chapters to properly get involved but I am extremely happy I didn’t give up and persisted to read on. I do feel there was a bit more potential with the ending but it was still good. The age rating could be slightly higher and 9-11 seems a bit young for the content. Overall, one of my favourite books ever read and thoroughly enjoyed it! 5 star! :)

Grandson number 1 requested this as he had read this book in school but they hadn't finished it. He enjoyed reading the story.