Muzoon: A Syrian Refugee Speaks Out
by Muzoon Almellehan (Author)
"Muzoon takes readers on her perilous and ultimately hopeful journey from refugee child to advocate for others in need."
--Malala Yousafzai, bestselling author and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize
When her family had to flee Syria, 14-year-old Muzoon was told to pack only the most essential things--and so she packed her schoolbooks.
This is the inspiring true story of a Syrian refugee who fought hard for what she needed--and grew into one of the world's leading advocates for education.
This eye-opening memoir tells the story of a young girl's life in Syria, her family's wrenching decision to leave their home, and the upheaval of life in a refugee camp. Though her life had utterly changed, one thing remained the same. She knew that education was the key to a better future--for herself, and so that she could help her country. She went from tent to tent in the camp, trying to convince other kids, especially girls, to come to school. And her passion and dedication soon had people calling her the "Malala of Syria."
Muzoon has grown into an internationally recognized advocate for refugees, for education, and for the rights of girls and women, and is now a UNICEF goodwill ambassador--the first refugee to play that role.
Muzoon's story is absolutely riveting and will inspire young readers to use their own voices and stand up for what they believe in.
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Publishers Weekly
With Pearlman (We Crossed a Bridge and It Trembled, for adults), debut author Almellehan documents events that led her family to leave Izraa, their home in southwest Syria, while offering insight into "a kind of situation that could happen to anyone." Twelve years old "before the war began," Almellehan plays soccer with cousins, helps with harvesting olives from the family's trees, and attends school. As Arab Spring protests occur in Tunisia in 2011, the news shows "people wanting better lives... realizing that they have the power to demand freedom." When the protests reach her hometown, "a burst of heavy machine-gun fire ripped through the air" as she and her brother sell fresh-picked almonds door-to-door, and further violence follows. In 2013, the family leaves Syria for a refugee camp in Jordan--but it takes nearly another three years before the family can emigrate to the U.K. Throughout, Almellehan's insistence on continuing her own education extends to her encouraging other children, especially girls; working with UNICEF and Save the Children; and meeting Malala Yousafzai. Vivid descriptions prove immersive throughout this powerful experiential telling that's situated as both "my story" and "a window into many other stories." Ages 10-up. (May)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Review quotes
"Muzoon takes readers on her perilous and ultimately hopeful journey from refugee child to advocate for others in need. This book offers insight into the promise of education for children who have lost everything but their belief in a brighter future." — Malala Yousafzai, bestselling author and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize
"One compelling story amid millions, delivered in a strong, steadfast voice. [Muzoon] challenges readers to pay attention "I don't want people to know about refugees," she tells an interviewer. "I want them to listen to refugees." " —Kirkus Reviews
"A moving and gripping memoir. Inspiring." —Booklist
"Vivid descriptions prove immersive throughout this powerful experiential telling that's situated as both "my story" and "a window into many other stories."" —Publishers Weekly
JNF007110 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Social Activists
JNF038080 - Juvenile Nonfiction | People & Places | Middle East
Education
Girls
Syria
Almellehan, Muzoon
Teenage refugees
