Other Words for Home — Content Guide for Parents

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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
New York Times bestseller and Newbery Honor Book!
A gorgeously written, hopeful middle grade novel in verse about a young girl who must leave Syria to move to the United States, perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Aisha Saeed.
Jude never thought she'd be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives.
At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven't quite prepared her for starting school in the US--and her new label of "Middle Eastern," an identity she's never known before.
But this life also brings unexpected surprises--there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is.
This lyrical, life-affirming story is about losing and finding home and, most importantly, finding yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Is Other Words for Home appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The story addresses the violence of war in Syria, including references to fighting and the impact of the Syrian regime on the protagonist's family. Jude's brother wants to join protests against the government, highlighting the violent context of their lives. While the book deals with serious themes of war and displacement, there are no indications of content that would be classified as scary for children.
Does Other Words for Home have violence?
The story addresses the violence of war in Syria, including references to fighting and the impact of the Syrian regime on the protagonist's family. Jude's brother wants to join protests against the government, highlighting the violent context of their lives.
Does Other Words for Home have scary content?
While the book deals with serious themes of war and displacement, there are no indications of content that would be classified as scary for children.
Does Other Words for Home have religious themes?
The book features Jude, a Middle Eastern Muslim girl, and discusses her identity in relation to her faith. The narrative includes themes of cultural and religious identity as Jude navigates her new life in America.
Does Other Words for Home have racial/cultural content?
The narrative centers around Jude, a Syrian refugee, and addresses themes of prejudice and discrimination she faces in America. It highlights her experiences as a Middle Eastern girl in a new cultural context, making race a central theme.
Does Other Words for Home have profanity?
No profanity is mentioned in the search results for 'Other Words for Home'. The content appears to be appropriate for its intended audience.
Does Other Words for Home have climate change?
No themes related to climate change or environmentalism are present in the search results for 'Other Words for Home'. The focus is on personal and cultural identity amidst the backdrop of war.
Does Other Words for Home have sexual identity?
The search results indicate that there is no sexual content in 'Other Words for Home'. The narrative focuses on Jude's experiences as a refugee and her adjustment to life in America.
Does Other Words for Home have gender roles?
The search results do not indicate any specific focus on traditional or modern gender roles. The narrative primarily revolves around Jude's identity as a refugee and her experiences rather than gender dynamics.
Does Other Words for Home have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters are explicitly mentioned in the search results for 'Other Words for Home'. The references focus on the protagonist's experience as a Syrian refugee without any indication of LGBTQ+ representation.



