Omar and his nonverbal brother Hassan grow up in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya, having fled war-torn Somalia after their father was killed. They spend their days looking for their mother, helping their neighbor/foster mother Fatuma, doing chores, and playing as best they can (they play soccer with balls made of plastic bags). When Omar is given an opportunity to attend school, he must decide if he should leave his brother during the day. Make sure you have a box of tissues handy — Omar and Hassan’s story and the stories of their friends and neighbors is heart-breaking and sadly all true. Omar tells the story with the help of talented graphic novelist Jamieson.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham