Book: Hardcover | 8.85 x 10.98in | 32 pages | ISBN 9780803728417 | 30 Sep 2002 | Dial | 4 - AND UP years
This remarkably moving picture book follows first-grader Hassan through his first few days at school. Hassan has only recently arrived in the United States after he and his family were forced to flee Somalia, and he deeply misses the colorful landscape of his former home in Africa. But with the help of his parents, an understanding teacher, and a school art project, Hassan finds that by painting a picture of his old home and sharing his story, his homesickness and the trauma of leaving a war-torn country are lessened. And he finds that there are many things to like about his new home in America. The colorful, impressionistic illustrations are a perfect complement to the wonderful text by Mary Hoffman, author of the highly acclaimed Amazing Grace. Together art and text make this poignant story accessible and affecting for a young audience.
International Reading Association Teachers' Choices
Notable Books for a Global Society
Email Alerts
To keep up-to-date, input your email address, and we will contact you on publication
Read an excerpt from Edgar® Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Max Allan Collins' Criminal Minds: Finishing School in our Mystery & Suspense special interest area.
John Hodgman, resident expert on "The Daily Show" and the PC guy in the hilarious Mac ads, picks up exactly where his first book left off.
Watch a trailer.