Great book on the immigrant experience for young kids -- simply told, very straightforward, emphasizes challenges and small victories. ( )

Ana Isabel Garcia (CCFAS2020): "A pequena Azzi e os seus pais correm perigo. E por isso precisam fugir às pressas, deixando para trás a sua casa, os seus familiares, os seus amigos, as suas profissões e a sua cultura. Ao embarcarem rumo a um país desconhecido, levam, além da pouca bagagem, a esperança de uma vida mais segura. Azzi terá de enfrentar a saudade que sente da avó e muitos desafios: aprender outra língua, acompanhar a preocupação dos pais, adaptar-se à nova casa e cidade, frequentar a nova escola e fazer novas amizades. A partir do olhar da menina Azzi, o livro retrata uma família do Oriente Médio obrigada a fugir quando a guerra começa.
Apesar das dificuldades da travessia para um novo país, Azzi encara a situação como uma aventura e acaba por descobrir sentimentos que não conhecia, como solidariedade e esperança. Um livro para captar os nossos alunos estrangeiros, levando-os a conhecerem em nós alguém que os percebe!"

I️ enjoyed this book about being a refugee, and Azzi's experiences moving to a new place, and being the new kid who doesn't speak the language.

I really liked this book for three reasons. First, I loved the illustrations. Each line of text had a picture to go along with it which made the text enjoyable and easy to follow along with. One example of this is when the text talks about Azzi’s house. There is a clear illustration that helps readers imagine that they are a part of the story themselves. Second, I really loved how the book pushes readers to think about people that might be different from themselves. The book encourages readers to be open-minded and accepting of all people, regardless of background. One example of this is when Lucy invited Azzi to jump rope with her. Third, I enjoyed the characters in this book. Azzi is a great character that believably portrays the fear and insecurity involved in coming to a new country. Her emotions were raw and made you feel like you were in her shoes. One example of this is when she was crying for her Grandmother. The big idea of this story is that change can be difficult, but it all works out for the best in the end. ( )

The graphic novel “Azzi In Between” is about a refugee family leaving a country to come to a safer county. Both countries are left unnamed however you can safely assume that Azzi’s family is from a middle eastern country. I liked this book for a couple reasons, the illustrations and the fact that it pushes readers to think about a tough issue from a child’s perspective.
The illustrations in “Azzi in Between” were very detailed and wonderfully done. My favorite part of the illustrations is that they were very bright and vibrant, except the illustrations that depicted war were in black and white. I felt this provided a deeper meaning and feeling to the illustrations.
I liked how the book portrayed a very sad and tough issue, that there are people out there who may have to flee the country and find a new home. I really liked the part where Azzi was in the car and they were fleeing the country. Azzi was hidden underneath a blanket when the officers asked for the family’s papers, Azzi knew she did not have papers so she stayed hidden away from the men. The fact that a little girl could suffer and know so much is incredible and really makes you think about a tough issue from a different perspective.
I think the big message portrayed in this book is perseverance and hope. Azzi and her family flee their home for a new beginning and at first, they’re not quite sure they will succeed where they are. However, in the end her grandma comes to stay with them and Azzi’s father gets a job and a new place to live. Through this perseverance and hope they have improved their life immensely. ( )