Other Words for Home

Jasmine Warga

by Jasmine Warga

2019

HarperCollins

Grade 4+

Lexile Level 930L

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Summary:

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga is a book written in verse that focuses on a young girl named Jude. Jude was living in Syria with her mother and older brother when she and her mother chose to migrate to America in hopes that it would mean a better future for Jude's unborn sibling. Through this cultural journey, Jude realizes the importance of her own upbringing. This story illustrates to young readers the importance of family and the bonds that we share with loved ones.

Key Words: War, culture, family, values

Suggested Delivery: Whole class, small group, or independent.

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Vocabulary:

Muslim: a follower of the religion of Islam.

Arab: a member of a Semitic people, originally from the Arabian peninsula and neighboring territories, inhabiting much of the Middle East and North Africa.

University: an educational institution designed for instruction, examination, or both, of students in many branches of advanced learning.

Mosque: a Muslim place of worship.

Raid: a sudden attack on an enemy by troops, aircraft, or other armed forces in warfare.

Syria: Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in West Asia located in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Levant.

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ELA Teaching Suggestions:

Common Core Standard

Before Reading:

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Building Schema:

Before Reading:

Ask students where Syria is. Hand out an unlabeled map of the middle east. In small groups, students put a pin on where they think Syria is on the map.

When all groups have made an educated guess, talk about where Syria really is. Briefly explain the Civil War timeline so that students have some kind of time awareness.

While Reading:

Have students flag the pages where they believe Jude shows resilience or shows some kind of personal growth.

Discussion Question:

Why is Jude so afraid to raise her hand in class?

After Reading:

Students will further research the Syrian Civil War.

Pick a city that has had negative affects because of the war.