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. ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )

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 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. ( )

Hassan has only recently arrived in the United States after he and his family were forced to flee Somalia, and he deeply misses the colorful landscape of his former home in Africa.