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Muzoon: A Syrian Refugee Speaks Out
Muzoon Almellehan’s refugee experience offers a glimpse into the hardships faced by so many Syrians. Her account begins in 2010, in the midst of a pleasant childhood in the small town of Izraa, where Muzoon, who is Muslim, loves to play soccer in the street with her siblings and cousins. Too young to question the way things are, Muzoon knows only that “the walls [have] a lot of eyes” and that she should ask questions about the government only at home, where she won’t be overheard. As the Arab Spring begins, Muzoon develops an intense interest in current events, especially as Syria attempts to oust its regime, leading to rising violence across the country. Two years into the war, her family flees to a refugee camp in Jordan, where the tasks of daily life are made arduous by overcrowding and lack of resources. Muzoon takes refuge in her schoolwork and finds purpose in speaking with other young refugees about returning to school. Her passion earns her a role as a UNICEF spokesperson in the camp advocating for education. Confident and assertive, Muzoon’s advocacy and persistence eventually leads to a placement in Great Britain for herself and her family, where she goes on to earn her college degree. This is an accessible, compelling memoir by an indefatigable young woman. ©2023 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 11-14
Age Range:
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Formats:
Biography, Autobiography and Memoir
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
21st Century
Autobiography/Memoir
Education
Refugees
Syrians and Syrian Americans
War
World History
Diversity subjects:
Asian
Black/African
Middle East
Muslim
Publishers:
Knopf, Random House
Publish Year: 2023
Pages: 270
ISBN: 9781984851987
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 305 Almellehan