Gr 6–9—Using only a cell phone to record and post firsthand accounts, one boy attempts to document the
devastating effects of war in his home country of Syria. The power of graphic nonfiction is on full display here, with
expressive art conveying a true story by turns harrowing and hopeful.

Representation: Asian characters
Trigger warnings: Death of children, a father and an uncle, blood, grief and loss depiction, loss of limb, military violence and war themes, explosion, fire, bullying, dead bodies, pregnancy, building collapse
Score: Seven and a half points out of ten.
Find this review on The StoryGraph.

This novel is one I wanted to read ever since I heard the library was getting it. I missed the opportunity to pick it up the first time around but not the second time. After not enjoying a previous novel I hoped I would delight myself in reading this one. Turns out it's not fiction, it's a memoir, and it even rivals The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat.

It starts with the first person I see, Muhammad Najem living in Syria for the early childhood section of his life until the Syrian Civil War started when he was eight. Life took a downward spiral the older he got as he lost his father at 13 and at fifteen he didn't want to sit and do nothing anymore. Thus, Muhammad decided to act. This memoir shines in its accurate portrayal of Syria during its civil war but it doesn't pull any punches. It's more suitable for young adults than middle graders due to the graphic content inside. I delighted myself in seeing all the likable characters, and I could connect and relate to Muhammad as he develops his character. At least the conclusion is a high note as Muhammad finally becomes a reporter. ( )

This is a really hard book to read. Muhammad doesn't pull any punches when telling his story, or when focusing on the many child casualties of the Syrian war. It makes me feel totally helpless, but I am glad to know his story, I am glad he is putting the truth out there. I hope things get better for the Syrian people, and I hope that the atrocities of the Assad regime are not forgotten. ( )

Muhammad Najem details his life growing up in Syria and trying to share stories from other kids to share with the world to raise awareness about events in Syria. The family is tight knit and loving. Starting in 2011, the book details Assad's troops coming to Eastern Ghouta and the impact that had on the Najem family. When his work finally breaks with CNN, Muhammad is sure that things will change. But it is his mom that gives him the check that things take time and his work is helping to plant the seeds for change. This book helped me see how war and a conflict within a country that soon had multi-national players impacted a family and a city in a way that added depth to just knowing facts about a conflict. A well done graphic which made the complex accessible and gave a platform to a boy's story. ( )

Another grim look at the Syrian Civil War, this time from the perspective of a boy who became a war correspondent on social media, reporting on the aerial bombing strikes on his community on the eastern edge of Damascus. Aimed at a younger audience, it's well done but perhaps a bit too long for their attention span.

It's so depressing to think how this horrible situation has dragged out for over a decade, killing hundred of thousands and displacing millions more, and an ending is still not within sight. And now the war in Ukraine has drawn attention and resources away . . .

FYI - Here's the CNN story referenced in the book:
https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/21/middleeast/teenager-ghouta-selfie-videos-intl ( )