The Color of Home

After reading this book I had mixed feelings. I liked that the book was culturally diverse and gave a little insight on another culture and country, and how the pictures were extremely colorful and descriptive. However, I did not like that one of the parts went into a slight violent description of a specific event. This can put a bad picture in young children's minds. Overall, it told a good story, but might not be my first book to use in a lesson.

After moving from Somalia to America, Hassan finds relief in painting his memories of home. When his teacher, Miss Kelly, sees the flames, guns, and blood in Hassan's painting, she responds with, "It's all spoiled." An interpreter comes to help the teacher gain a better understanding of Hassan's past. The next day, Hassan paints a "happier" picture. As someone who fully believes in the power of art therapy, I am disappointed in the story's message. Maybe I am misinterpreting the author's intentions. Scholastic recommends this book for K-3, but there are some graphic depictions of violence and war. I would save this for a more mature audience.

I had a strong, visceral reaction to this book. The story of Hassan, a young immigrant from Somalia, is full of tragedy. Life in his new home in England seems gray. However, as the story progresses, colour begins to reenter his life and the story ends on a warm, hopeful note. The book is full of gorgeous, expressive paintings that give readers a deeper glimpse into Hassan's experience.

This picture book follows first-grader Hassan through his first few days at school in America. He only knows a few words of English. He feels isolated and this new country seems dark and gray compared to the colorful landscapes of his former home of Somalia, which his family had to flee because of war and a personal tragedy. He misses his home, but with the help of his parents, an understanding teacher, and a school art project, Hassan finds that by painting a picture of his old home and sharing his story, his homesickness and the trauma of leaving a war-torn country are lessened. And he finds that there are many things to like about his new home in America. This beautifully illustrated book make a difficult topic accessible to young show more children. I would use this book as a mentor text for my student's own immigration or ELL experience. show less

I liked this book a lot. The big idea of the story was to share the main character, Hassan's, life when he was in Somalia. I liked the language in this book because it was very descriptive. For example the author wrote, "...a flock of white sheep, some brown goats, and a small sandy creature that was supposed to be his cat." I also liked how the book pushes readers to think about tough issues. When Hassan was in Somalia, he was surrounded by gun violence and had to flee his home country because he was in danger. This plot was very suspenseful and really helped broaden readers perspectives. I felt that the illustrations really enhanced the story and helped to paint a picture in readers minds.

The Color of Home is a great book about a boy named Hassan. He came over to America from Somalia and is having trouble adjusting to life here in America. He didn’t understand anything, but a few words. When he was asked to draw a picture he drew a beautiful house with his family out front. But after the teacher comments on his picture (in a good way) he changes it to a war scene. Throughout the book you find out about what he went threw when he lived in Somalia. A great book for all ages, but is directed at younger kids.

As a student reading this story I was astonished at what the story was about. When reading I found myself becoming very sad. I couldn’t imagine going through what Hassan had. I loved how the book was written. It show more captured me from the start. Highly Recommended.

As a teacher this book is a perfect book to show my students how war affects everyone and to show them that they have a pretty good a safe life here in America. I could use this book to help students understand how some children deal with pain and suffering. show less

Summary:
Hassan is a first-grader who has recently move to the United States because he was forced to flee his home in Somalia. He was missing his home in Africa and all the beautiful and colorful landscapes there. With the help from his parents, teacher, and an art project, Hassan was able to cope with his missing home. He finds that by painting a picture of his old home and sharing his story, his homesickness and the trauma of leaving his war-torn country are lessened. He also finds that there are many things to like about his new home in America.

Personal Reaction:
This book is very touching and very inspirational because there are so many people that we encounter that are from another part of the country. I have had friends from show more other countries and I can always tell that they missed there home. This book can help teachers and students understand how a child might feel if they are new and just moved there. It does not even have to be a different country, a child can move from a different state and still feel home sick.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1.) Each student can draw a picture of what home is to them and present it to the classroom. It doesn't matter if they have ever moved or not, they can draw a picture of them and their family and what makes their home special to them.

2.) Another activity to do with the students is help them look up other countries around the world and learn about their landscapes and culture. They can print a picture of their favorite and each student talk about a different country and share with the class to inform them about another countries culture. show less