Book details
Home is Beyond the Mountains
Description
When the Turkish army invades northwestern Persia in 1918, nine-year-old Samira and her parents, brother, and baby sister are driven from their tiny village. Taking only what they can carry, they flee into the mountains, but the journey is so difficult that only Samira and her older brother survive. Shunted from one refugee camp to another, from Persia to Iraq and back again, Samira finally ends up in an orphanage, where it seems that she will live out her childhood. Then Susan Shedd, the new orphanage director, arrives and, to Samira's amazement, announces that she will take all the children back to their villages to make new lives for themselves. With wonder and fear, Samira and three hundred other orphans embark on an epic march of three hundred miles through the mountains towards home.
Age
9-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
226 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Insight: 'Home is Beyond the Mountains' offers readers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Assyrian people, providing a rich context for understanding a lesser-known ethnic group and their experiences during and after World War I.
- Historical Significance: The book is based on true events and gives an account of the Assyrian genocide, which is a significant but often overlooked part of history. Reading it can help raise awareness and ensure that such events are not forgotten.
- Human Resilience and Hope: Through the story of the protagonist, Samira, readers witness the incredible resilience and hope of individuals in the face of adversity. It's an inspiring tale that can motivate readers to overcome their own challenges.
- Engaging Storytelling: Celia Barker Lottridge is known for her compelling narrative style that engages readers of all ages. The book's vivid descriptions and well-developed characters make it a captivating read that's hard to put down.