Embedded Files
SWIMMING TOWARD A DREAM
by Reem Faruqi, illustrated by Asma Enayeh
Page Street Kids | 2023
Dive into this inspiring story about competitive swimmer Yusra Mardini and her courageous journey from Syrian refugee to Olympic athlete. Before she could walk, she learned to swim and found the pool her happy place, but when war came to Syria, Yusra’s home and her pool were no longer safe. She fled her country with her sister, crossing the dangerous sea in search of safety, and inspired the world with her courage to pursue her Olympic dream.
Discussion questions
How did things change for Yusra when the Syrian Civil War started?
How do you think Yusra felt on the boat with the other refugees?
What does the word “resilient” mean? And how does Yusra show us that she is resilient?
Yusra and her big sister, Sara, have to leave their home. What do you think it would be like to have to leave your home and some of your family and move to an unfamiliar place?
How does Yusra still chase her dreams despite the war?
What is one thing that you can start doing to pursue your dreams?
Vocabulary
Olympics -the world’s leading sports event. Athletes from countries all over the world compete in them. In the 2024 Paris Olympics, there were 329 events with 10,500 athletes from over 200 countries and territories competing as well as the official Refugee Olympic Team.
passengers - a person riding in or on a vehicle.
cocoon - covering or case made by some animals to protect themselves
perilous - involving dangerous risk
refugee - a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.
Video content
Refugee swimmer Yusra Mardini wins her heat becoming supporters favourite (YouTube, 1:54m)
From Syria to Rio 2016 - The story of Yusra Mardini | Refugee Olympic Team (YouTube, 3:45m)
Refugee team swimmer: "I used to be scared of water" (YouTube, 1:26m)
Standing ovation for Refugee Olympic Team (YouTube, 1:06m)
Publisher content
Activities
Learn more about children from other countries by going to Globe Trottin' Kids Website and learn more about a certain country. Explore the culture of that country and consider one of their challenges.
One breath at a time mentioned in the book throughout the story, consider doing deep breath exercises.
Pick an athlete from the 2024 Paris Olympic Refugee Team to learn more about their story.
Draw a picture of how Yusra chased her dreams to be an Olympic swimmer despite her many struggles.
See the path she took on Google Maps.
Photo credit: Mariam Shakeel
Reem Faruqi
Reem Faruqi
Author
www.reemfaruqi.com
Reem Faruqi is the award-winning children’s book author of “Lailah’s Lunchbox,” a book based on her own experiences as a young Muslim girl immigrating to the United States. She’s also the author of “Amira’s Picture Day,” “I Can Help,” “Milloo’s Mind,” “Anisa’s International Day,” and three middle grade novels in verse, “Unsettled,” “Golden Girl,” and “Call Me Adnan”.
Asma Enayeh
Asma Enayeh
Illustrator
www.asmaenayeh.com
Asma is a passionate children’s books illustrator and surface designer. A daydreamer who is inspired by the colors and patterns around me. Her art is a celebration of humanity, cultures, and diversity. The places she traveled to and the people she met have had a big influence in her life and work. She had the chance to observe new cultures in the 23 countries she's visited so far. Her family, especially her daughters Sara and Mariamn, are her biggest source of pride and joy!
Companion books
YUSRA SWIMS
Julie Abery
illus. Sally Deng
Creative Editions, 2020
YUSRA MARDINI:
REFUGE HERO AND OLYMIC SWIMMER
Kelly Spence
Crabtree Pub Co, 2018
BUTTERFLY: FROM REFUGEE TO OLYMPIAN -
MY STORY OF RESCUE, HOPE, AND TRIUMPH
Yusra Mardini
St. Martin's Press, 2018
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