Home of the Brave

Ava babcockMs. ShineBook reviewMarch 23, 2017Persevere and be braveThe book Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate, is one of the most touching and entertaining books I've read in a long time and it never stopped making me want to read more. Keks journey through the book is very lighthearted but funny and he perseveres through the tough situations he goes through and doesn't stop believing in what he wants. This book has strong emotions to flow and carry you through book, strong and poetic descriptions to create a visual image in your mind, and finally, realistic characters to help you relate. In the end, we learn The most about persevering than anything else.This story takes place in present time. Kek is from Africa and has to move to America because his dad and brother died from an attack and his mother went missing. He doesn't want to live in America and really wants to find his mother. But eventually, he finds friends and has a fun time. He even makes a special friend... A cow! Kek goes through a lot during these situations in the story but his friends and family help him throughout the way.This book can get very emotional. For example, at one point in the story Kek he's talking to his cousin, Ganwar. Ganwar is saying that Kek shouldn't believe what he does. He thinks that believing is not right. The text says, “Finally Ganwar speaks/ They're all gone Kek/ They're all dead./ I want to hate Ganwar for his words./ But I am too weary for anger./ Already there are so many people to hate,/ too many./ Not all ,I finally whisper./ Not Mama./ He sighs, it isn't good to fool yourself./ I've learned that much./ Hoping isn't foolish, I say.” (p. 44) This was emotional because Keks cousin was just pushing all his hopes down the drain and not letting him think what he wants to think, even if it might not be true. The text also says, “Listen, buddy, Dave says,/ I'm afraid I've got some more news./ I heard from Diane./ They tracked down the people made it to/ The two refugee camps I told you about./ Something grabs my throat/ and tries to steal the air away./ None of them was your mom, Kek./ I look away./ Nearby a crow flaps it's great, black wings.”(p. 196) This was emotional because Kek was just figuring out that the people hadn't found his mom yet. He was super disappointed and from then on started little by little, not believing. This book can be very emotional.This book is very poetic and descriptive. For example, the text says,” The cow is near a fine,/ wide-armed,/ good-for-climbing tree./ To say the truth of it,/ she is not the most beautiful of cows./ Her belly sags/ and her coat is scarred/ and her face tells me/ she remembers sweeter days.” This part of the text shows me that it is very poetic and descriptive because reading this, I could really imagine what the cow looks like. The text also says, “Lou puts her hands on her hips./ She’s wearing jeans like mine and a big shirt./ Her hair is short and silver/ like a fresh moon./ She has many wrinkles/ to show her great knowledge/ of the world.” (p. 118) this part in the book was very descriptive. It really helped me figure out and know what the lady looks like. Her description helped me know what her personality is like. This book is very descriptive.And last, this book has very realistic and relatable characters. Having realistic characters helps you relate to the book. For example, the text says,” I reach out and touch/ a piece of bright green food/ I've never seen before./ And then I begin to cry./ Hannah rushes over to my side./It's OK, she says./ We can leave if you want.” This shows relatable characters because I think if you were new to a country, and has never seen a store before, you would most likely be overwhelmed with all the items and food. The text also says, “Do you like the cold?/I want to say/ No, this cold is like claws on my skin!” This quote from the story may be short, but it sure is relatable. I can imagine that someone that hasn't been in snow before would dislike it. I know I would, with all the stinging and coldness of it! This book is relatable.Throughout this book, Kek goes through very tough situations that finds a way to sneak through all of them. We learned that persevering and having grit is the best way to get through almost all the tough situations in life. Just be brave and try your best. I definitely give this book a five out of five star rating! You absolutely have to read this.

This book is one of the most amazing, and sophisticated stories you will ever see! Katherine Applegate is an amazing author, and just like "The One And Only Ivan", this book will unwind surprises along the way, but there are some sad parts, so be sure to have a box of tissues by your side!

The idea of these Sudanese immigrants being transplanted to a Minnesota town fascinated me. What I didn't expect was to read one of the best books of the year. Told by Kek, a young boy from Sudan, who saw the murders of most of his family, Kek is separated from his probably dead mother and his relief to be in Minnesota with his aunt and cousin. It was so easy to love upbeat Kek and his utter confusion of his new life in America.From snow, escalators, jeans, language and cleaning the dishes in the washer. I laughed at his view of these ordinary things. But he also reminded me of how wealthy our country is compared to most of the world. His marveling at the apartment that his Aunt and cousin live in "That is a palace." Kek finds it easier to adjust to this life than his older war scared cousin, Ganwar. I got caught up in Kek as an optimist. Kek changed the life of others by just asking to help and being the cattle herder that he was. But the most incredible thing about this wonderful book is the language. Written in poetic verse, the words bathed me in description of place, time and emotion. I laughed and weeped and wanted more. READ THIS FABULOUS STORY!

A beautiful book written in the voice of a 10 year old refugee. Will share with my grandkids. Wonderful to come across a book with many good virtues.

This is a beautiful book: the author conveys brilliantly the experience of being a childrefugee from Africa who comes to Minnesota after experiencing great loss in his young life from war in Sudan.I felt the wonder, fear, optimism , sadness and hope of the main character Kek as he walked forward into his new country. This I attribute to the author’s ability to express profound emotion in few words. She just gets it as far as touching on the human spirit.It helped me understand what that experience (as a refugee)must be like.While mourning and working through the pain of loss, Kek triumphed by forming new relationships with people and the beloved cow he was a caretaker for. Kek made a new beginning each day without really knowing how to, but this was so inspiring to me. A young sweet human just kind of figuring it out as he went. And never losing his hope.I highly recommend this book!!Read.

I love Applegate. Her narratives are compelling and your words are stirring. Most of all, she creates characters we cheer for as they break our hearts.This is great story for teachers who want to learn more about students who come from circumstances that prevent them from attending school, being forced to be refugees, and moving to a new country.

I am a private language arts teacher and my students love this story! Like some of her other books, It is written in a very easy to read format with short, but impactful chapters so my reluctant readers are not intimidated. It is a great text for strengthening inference skills, and I use it as a mentor text for writing as well because it has strong voice and wonderful word choice. I love the proverbs at the beginning of each section which provide great fodder for discussion. I highly recommend this story for all students fifth grade and above.

A lovely story told with earnestness, humor, and understanding. I bought it for my grandchildren ages 9-12 so they could better understand the immigrant and refugee populations in their schools both here in the USA and abroad. The elderly farm woman who took the time to try to understand both brothers' struggles was a lifeline to their adjustment in America. This book is a reminder to all of us to do our part in helping newcomers adjust to our country.This paperback book arrived in record time and in good shape.

This book is truly poetic and insightful. It gives a real view into the life of a young immigrant and poses serious questions. I love it and so do my children. Sadly this story has become part of life today and awareness is vital.

Applegate traz a história de um jovem imigrante, que passa por todas as experiências de ter de conviver com uma nova cultura. Sente falta de casa a todo tempo, mesmo sabendo como as coisas são perante à guerra. É uma história que traz uma ideia muito presente de esperança de que coisas boas podem acontecer, bem como, o lado realista de outras personagens.

Love this book, the writing, the story. We use this to read aloud to grade 6 kids, I love it every time!

What a lovely book ! A must read for all the young readers and the old as well. Easy read for independent readers 7 years and above but for deeper understanding I would suggest 8 years and above!

What does it feel like to be a refugee from Sudan in America? Kek is a cattle-herder from Sudan who has seen his father and brother killed, found his way to a refugee camp with his mother, and then, attacked again, had to flee again, leaving his mother behind.Appleseed has written a story that takes us too on Kek's journey. Without sentimentality, show-don't-tell, we are led to understanding. The form Appleseed has chosen is the prose-poem which captures the deep awareness of a simpler life than malls, traffic and shopping. She has written a marvelous and memorable book. Keep tissues to hand. You will weep.