Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate

Over the next few days, I will be highlighting some of the books I've read recently.  I just finished one of the most beautiful stories I've read in a while.  The novel was Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate. The story is about Kek, a young refugee who moves from Africa to Minnesota.  I can't imagine that kind of change, and it's interesting to read about Kek having to learn to survive in a new culture.  He sees snow for the first time,  rides in an airplane (or flying boat), and misunderstands the term "washing machine" and tries to wash the dishes in it.

The book is written in poetry form, which reads beautifully.  It also makes it a quick read; I read it in one evening.  I love that the book balances the horror of his old life, which is revealed through his dreams, with the humorous and heartfelt stories of his new life.  I highly recommend this novel!

Do you have a book you want to share?  Email me at mrs.schuette at gmail.com a short highlight of the novel, and I'll post it on here.