In an effort to enhance my student's understanding of a refugee experience, I want to provide each of my student's with a free-verse novel to read. Home of the Brave, written by Katherine Applegate, is written in a free verse poetic style. It tells the story of Kek, a Sudanese refugee who lands in Minnesota in the dead of winter (in an ESL class as well). Kek has survived many horrors of war and ends up in a new world which he reveals to the reader with beautiful innocence. The novel touches on sadness, loneliness, loss, hope, and happiness while giving interesting perspectives on America.
The second novel, Inside Out and Back Again, also written in free verse, tells the story of Ha, a ten year old girl from Vietnam. Ha and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls and they board a ship to America. This moving story explores change, dreams, grief, and healing as the protagonist journeys from one country to another and one life to the next.
About my class
In an effort to enhance my student's understanding of a refugee experience, I want to provide each of my student's with a free-verse novel to read. Home of the Brave, written by Katherine Applegate, is written in a free verse poetic style. It tells the story of Kek, a Sudanese refugee who lands in Minnesota in the dead of winter (in an ESL class as well). Kek has survived many horrors of war and ends up in a new world which he reveals to the reader with beautiful innocence. The novel touches on sadness, loneliness, loss, hope, and happiness while giving interesting perspectives on America.
The second novel, Inside Out and Back Again, also written in free verse, tells the story of Ha, a ten year old girl from Vietnam. Ha and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls and they board a ship to America. This moving story explores change, dreams, grief, and healing as the protagonist journeys from one country to another and one life to the next.
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