Ok, in my last post I said that Crossing the Wire may win this year's award...but now there is another strong contender..."Home of the Brave". This heartwarming, beautifully written book is about a boy named Kek who comes to Minnesota aftering being in a refugee camp in war-torn Sudan. His life is turned upside down as he learns English, adjusts to our culture, and worries about his mother who is still missing...he does not know if she is dead or alive. The book is written in prose but the author, Katherine Applegate, is an amazing storyteller and the words seeme to dance off the page. This book is just a beautiful story and I really enjoyed reading it.

Some background info on Sudan for any students who are interested in this book:
Since 1956, there have only been 11 years peace in this nation. Over 2 million people have died in this horrible, civil war. Between 1998 and 2003, more than 27,000 young boys were orphaned. They were known as the "Lost Boys" and many came to the United States to start a new life.

Parents, teachers, students...everyone will love this book!