Azzi in Between
on Goodreads (419)
What’s inside...
Azzi and her parents are in danger and must flee their home country, embarking on a perilous journey by car and boat to seek refuge in a new country. In their new home, Azzi must adapt to a new language, school, and lifestyle with the help of a kind school mentor. As Azzi begins to adjust and make new friends, she misses her grandma who was left behind. The story, illustrated and written by Sarah Garland, is inspired by her experience with refugee families and is endorsed by Amnesty International.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Azzi felt when she had to leave her home and move to a new place?
What are some ways Azzi tried to adapt to her new environment? Can you think of a time you had to adapt to something new?
Why do you think the garden was important to Azzi and her family?
How did the friendship with Sarah help Azzi adjust to her new life?
What can we learn from Azzi’s story about helping others who are different from us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own experiences related to moving or feeling out of place to help your child relate to Azzi's situation. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, ensuring they understand that there’s no right or wrong answer. Tie the discussion back to their personal experiences whenever possible to deepen the connection with Azzi's story. Lastly, emphasize the themes of resilience, kindness, and the importance of community support showcased in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of change
Explanation: Azzi's journey from her war-torn home to a new country illustrates her ability to adapt and overcome challenging and unfamiliar situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of adapting to changes whether it’s moving to a new school, city, or dealing with changes in the family.
Example Lesson: Empathy for others
Explanation: Throughout the story, Azzi's experiences highlight the struggles of refugees, helping readers understand and empathize with people who are displaced.
Real-World Application: This promotes understanding and kindness towards classmates or neighbors from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
Example Lesson: Value of family support
Explanation: Azzi’s family plays a crucial role in her adaptation process, providing emotional support and guidance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and rely on their family for support during difficult times.
Example Lesson: Importance of education
Explanation: Despite her challenges, Azzi’s pursuit of education remains a central theme, showing its role in providing opportunities and stability.
Real-World Application: Encourages a positive attitude towards schooling and continuous learning regardless of personal circumstances.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Azzi exhibits courage as she navigates a new school and makes new friends despite her fears and the unknowns.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to be courageous when encountering new experiences and challenges.