New York Times bestseller and Newbery Honor Book! A gorgeously written, hopeful middle grade novel in verse about a young girl who must leave Syria to move to the United States, perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Aisha Saeed. Jude never thought she’d be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives. At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven’t quite prepared her for starting school in the US—and her new label of “Middle Eastern,” an identity she’s never known before. But this life also brings unexpected surprises—there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is. This lyrical, life-affirming story is about losing and finding home and, most importantly, finding yourself.
Average Rating
Informations
About the author
Jasmine Warga
Author
Jasmine Warga is an American children's and young adult book author. Her free verse book Other Words for Home received a Newbery Honor in 2020. Her novel A Rover's Story was a #1 New York Times bestseller, and won the Senior Young Reader's Choice Award in 2025.
Other Words for Home
by Jasmine Warga
Books Like Other Words for Home
If you're looking for books similar to Other Words for Home, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Inside Out and Back Again
Thanhha Lai
A powerful novel in verse about a young Vietnamese girl's immigration experience during the Vietnam War. Like 'Other Words for Home', it explores themes of cultural displacement, family separation, and finding identity in a new country. The protagonist navigates challenges of adapting to American life while holding onto her cultural roots. The book offers a poignant and sensitive portrayal of immigrant experiences through lyrical poetry.
Brown Girl Dreaming
Jacqueline Woodson
A memoir in verse about growing up African American in the 1960s and 1970s. The book shares a similar poetic style and themes of identity and cultural experience. The author explores personal growth, family bonds, and finding one's place in the world. It offers a lyrical and powerful narrative of self-discovery.
A Long Walk to Water
Linda Sue Park
A compelling narrative based on true events, following two Sudanese children's journeys of survival and hope. The book explores themes of displacement, resilience, and personal transformation. Like 'Other Words for Home', it highlights the strength of young people facing extraordinary challenges. The story offers a powerful perspective on survival and human potential.
Refugee
Alan Gratz
A powerful novel interweaving three refugee stories from different historical periods. The book explores themes of displacement, survival, and hope across different cultural contexts. Like 'Other Words for Home', it highlights the resilience of young people facing extraordinary challenges. The narrative offers multiple perspectives on the refugee experience.
The Arrival
Shaun Tan
A wordless graphic novel depicting an immigrant's journey to a strange new land. The book shares themes of displacement, adaptation, and hope. Using visual storytelling, it captures the universal experience of immigration. The narrative offers a unique and powerful perspective on finding home.
Front Desk
Kelly Yang
A heartwarming story about a young Chinese immigrant girl helping her parents manage a motel in California. The novel shares similar themes of cultural adaptation, family resilience, and personal growth. The protagonist faces challenges of immigration while maintaining hope and determination. It offers a nuanced look at immigrant experiences with humor and compassion.
Esperanza Rising
Pam Muñoz Ryan
A moving story about a Mexican girl forced to leave her privileged life and work in California during the Great Depression. The novel explores themes of cultural displacement, family resilience, and personal transformation. Like 'Other Words for Home', it depicts a young girl's journey of adaptation and self-discovery. The book offers a powerful narrative of hope and survival.
The Only Road
Alexandra Diaz
A powerful story about two Guatemalan teenagers fleeing violence and seeking safety. The novel shares themes of displacement, survival, and hope. Like the main book, it explores the challenges of leaving home and finding a new life. The narrative offers a compassionate look at young immigrants' experiences.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Grace Lin
A magical story blending Chinese folklore with a young girl's journey of discovery. The book shares themes of cultural identity and personal growth. Like 'Other Words for Home', it explores a young protagonist's transformative journey. The narrative offers a beautiful blend of cultural storytelling and personal adventure.
Home of the Brave
Katherine Applegate
A novel in verse about a Sudanese refugee's experience adjusting to life in Minnesota. The book shares similar themes of cultural adaptation, finding home, and personal growth. The protagonist navigates language barriers and new cultural experiences with sensitivity and hope. It offers a compassionate look at the immigrant experience.
Something in Between
Melissa de la Cruz
A contemporary novel about a Filipino-American teenager discovering her family's immigration status. The book explores themes of cultural identity, family, and belonging. Like 'Other Words for Home', it addresses the challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities. The story offers a nuanced look at the immigrant experience.
Amina's Voice
Hena Khan
A story about a Pakistani-American girl navigating cultural identity and community challenges. The book explores themes of belonging, family, and personal growth. Like 'Other Words for Home', it offers a sensitive portrayal of a young immigrant's experience. The narrative highlights the importance of understanding and acceptance.
The Breadwinner
Deborah Ellis
A powerful story about a young Afghan girl navigating life under Taliban rule. While set in a different context, it shares themes of resilience, family bonds, and survival in challenging circumstances. The protagonist demonstrates courage and resourcefulness in protecting her family. The book offers insights into cultural experiences and personal strength.
The Red Pencil
Andrea Davis Pinkney
A novel in verse about a young Sudanese girl's experiences during conflict. The book shares themes of resilience, family bonds, and finding hope in difficult circumstances. The protagonist uses creativity and imagination to cope with displacement. It offers a sensitive portrayal of a child's perspective during challenging times.
No account connected — sign in to comment.