The summary is about two brothers named Omar and Hassan. These two brothers live in a refugee camp in kenya. The reason the two brothers are in the refugee camp because, their home country Somalia is at war, that's why their parents sent them to the refugee camp so they can be safe. Omar one of the two brothers wants to go to school to get a education but he cant go to school. He cant go to school because he has to take care of his brother that has special needs and can only say one word "hooya"

1- What block does Omar live in? Why is it not a good idea to be caught in another block alone?

2- Why doesn't Omar and Hassan live with Fatuma? What does Omar think of Fatuma and what does this show about Omar's family?

3- What does Omar usually do to help Hassan fall asleep?What do you think happened to Omar's father based on his nightmare?

4- What does Omar and his brother in and where. Where are they from?

5- Why doesn't Omar go to school? What does this show about his character traits?

Questions:

1.) Omar lives in a refugee camp in Kenya. How long has he been there?

2.) There are a lot of things Omar doesn't like about the refugee camp. Name the one he doesn't like the most?

3.) Jeri would love to go to America one day because he believes everyone there is rich. Why does Omar want to return to Somalia?

4.) There isn't much to do at the refugee camp. What game do Omar and Hassan play together?

5.) Who is Fatuma? What role does she play in the lives of Hassan and Omar?

1. What happened to Omar and Hassan's mother?

2. Why does Hassan only say "Hooya"?

3. How did Omar learn how to solve math?

4. How did Omar meet Jeri?

5. Why does Tall Ali bully Omar?

Dear Hassan,

I'm so happy I have you with me in this camp. Life without you wouldn't be bearable. We have been here for 7 years and soon we'll be able to go to Somalia and find Mama. Me, you,Mama,and Fatouma will live in a big house and never leave each other's side. We will always be there for each other no matter what.

Sincerely, Omar

On page 16, Fatuma brought the boys a new pair of pants. This reminded me of when my grandma brought me and my cousins all new clothes.

On page 15, The boys go to Fatumas tent for tea and food. This reminds me of when my brother and I would go to my grandmas and she would give us tea and food.

On page 20, the boys started playing soccer after school. That reminded me of when my cousins and I would play soccer.

On page 17, Omar was teaching Hassan to count. This reminded me of when I would help my brother with math.

1.) On page 25, Jeri taught Omar how to write his name in English. This interaction reminded me of when I taught my sister how to write her name in English before she began school.

2.) On pages 20-21, all the A2 boys make a soccer ball out of plastic

On page 17 when Omar was playing with his brother with bricks reminds me of when it was very muddy outside and I played with my brother in the mud.

On page 20 when Omar and Hassan where playing soccer after the A2 boys came back from school reminds me of when me and my brother played soccer with the random kids.

On page 22 when Tall Ali started picking on Hassan

Where is Hassan and Omar's mom?

1)Why does Hassan not talk?

2)How did Hassan and Omar lose their mother?

3)What did Jeri teach Omar?

4)What do Omar and Hassan do with the mud in the building pit? What is the game they play called?

p.g 1-26

Dear Omar,

I know that it has been hard the past seven years away from your country and your mother. But you have to trust that you will be ok, you just have to keep helping your brother Hassan. Keep trying to learn from the other kids even though you can go to school and keep listening to Fatuma. Keep asking Jerri questions about school. Try not to listen to Tall Ali and defend your brother. Stay away from A3 and A4

1.) On page 15 Omar says that he wakes up for morning prayer. I can relate to this because I am a Muslim and I wake up for morning prayer as well.

2.) On page 18, Omar says that he loves his brother Hassan and he’s the only reason why camp is bearable. I can relate to this because I have siblings and cousins who I love as well.

3.) On page 18, Omar builds blocks with his brother Hassan out of mud. I can relate to this because I like to build legos such are similar to the blocks that they use.

What idea does tall salan propose to fatuma?What is Fatumas response?

Can Hassan live without Omar?

What does Omar do that he thinks might be childish?

2.Why doesnt Omar mention finding his mom when telling Jeri the reasons why he wanted to go to Somalia?

3.Why did Hassan start crying when Tall Ali acted like he was crying?

4.What does Fatuma think about Hassan and Omar, does she mind taking care of them?

5.What Camp does Omar live in, Why does he think its boring to live there?

Omar and Hassan meet a tall man named Salan, who thinks that Omar's English is well, Omar sometimes practices English phrases with Salan.

P.29-P.35

Salan reveals to Omar that he should go to school, Omar does not like this idea because he thinks that Hassan would get in trouble out there alone. Salan assures him that Fatuma could take care of Hassan, but Omar still persists not to go, as he will go back to Somalia once this camp is over, so then Salan shows Omar how he is like a grain of sand, the chances of him leaving this camp are the same as the chances of Salan finding the grain of sand again.

P.36-38

Omar cannot sleep over the thought of going to school without sticking with Hassan, he then goes out the tent and usually looks at this one specific star he used to talk to as a kid, he does not get much sleep for the night.

Dear Mom,

I have a choice to go to school, but I know I have to take care of Hassan. I dont feel good about leaving him alone for so long. But, I do need to get a good education. If you were here I know you'd know what to do. I wish you were here and I hope I see you soon.

-Love, Omar.

Love,

Omar

pages 26-38

1- I can connect to the main character when he had to make the hard dission (decision).

1.) On page 26 Omar is hesitant about letting Salan near Hassan. I agree because I become skeptical or protective of my little sister once she meets certain people.

2.) On page 29 Omar practices new phrases with people. I like to practice saying new words with my friends.

3.) On page 31 Omar tries to come up with excuses as to why he shouldn't go to school. I can relate because, whenever I don't want to do something, I try to come up with a lot of excuses.

4.) On page 37 Omar contemplates going to school. I can relate because, sometimes I need some time alone to think about certain things.

Dear Omar,

You are a leader. You always help your brother and take care of him it shows that you're a very good person. I know life is hard right now. But I promise you will get to America one day. How does it always feel knowing your brother would not survive without you. Here is some advice you should take from me. Keep Hassan with your Foster mom. She can home school him and take care of him. Stay with Jeri he is a good man and he isn't a bad influence. There isn't more to say when you listen to these words you'll suceed

Sincerely,

Ali Dia

Omar

Q1 where did omar live?

Q2 why does omar not wanna go to school?

Q3 what ideas does salan propose to omar?

Q4 what is omar embarrassed about when going to school

1. On page 27, Omar tells Hassan to go back inside because he doesn't want Hassan to talk to strangers. That reminded me of when my brother yelled at me for talking to strangers.

2. On page 34, Omar was scared of being placed in a lower grade with babies, this reminds me of when my brother was scared of being placed in an advanced class.

1. Why is Omar refusing to go to school?

2. 
   

Before Omar went off to his first day of school, Hassan started crying because he was sad Omar was leaving him for the first time. Omar felt really bad but secretly kind of happy. He walked to school with Limpy and he saw his friend Nimo on his way. He had English class first which was easy for Omar, but little did he know that all his classes were in English. He had to pay very close attention to everything. Once he got home Hassan was happy to see him and he was happy to see Hassan.

Dear Hassan,

You make my days much brighter.

School was really hard today, but somehow I feel happy. I thought we would learn in Somalian, but to my surprise, the teachers spoke English. I get excited at the end of the day to see you Hassan. I want you to know I'll always be with, and take care of you.

Sincerely,

Your brother Omar

1. On page 46, Omar struggles with understanding the teacher in English, this reminds me of when I used to struggle in Arabic class.

2. On page 42,

Sincerely,

Your Best Friend

Pg.39-51

Omar decides that he wants to go to school,when he wakes up he eats his portions and leaves to school. Then he sees his friends and walk together to school, they enter the school and Omar is having a hard time trying to understand the teacher because he was speaking english. Omar doesn't understand anything except for math and art. The school day ends and plays soccer with his friends, he goes home and teaches Hassan what he learns and spends the rest of the day with Hassan.

Dear Tall Ali,

The way you act and speak to others comes off as very rude and disrespectful. Yes, having pride in yourself is good, but not too much where you become arrogant. I think you should be more careful of the way you treat others especially your classmates. I think you can enjoy school and soccer and have fun without being rude to others and making fun of them. Sometimes a Joke can hurt someone so be careful of what comes out of your mouth.

-Love, Yasmena

Love,

Yasmena

1. Who is Salan?

2. What problem does Omar have?

3. Why does Omar want to go to school?

4. Why does Omar not want to go to school?

5. Why does Salan want Omar to go to school?

1. Where did Salan come from?

2. Why can't Omars foster mom just take care of Hassan?

3. Why does Salan care so much about omar if he doesnt even know him?

4. What decision does Omar decide on?

5. How will omar repay Tall Salan?

1.) Why do you think Maryam is getting married so early?

2.) Why do you think Omar said yes to going to extra classes even though he's tired?

3.) Do you think Fatuma wants Omar to attend school?

4.) Do you think it's important for Omar to English?

Dear Fatuma,

How are you holding up? I admire your strength to be able to take care of 2 little boys at such a young age. I hope one day you are able to go back to your home country Somalia. I know it has been a lengthy wait, but push through and I'm sure you'll make it.

Sincerely,

Mohamad Ali

1. Why was Omar so stressed about going to school?

2. Why did Omar have to do chores if the boys in his school didn't have to?

3. Why was Omar still tired even after Salan helped him?

4. Did Fatuma go to school when she was younger, why or why not?

5. Why did Omar crash out on Hassan and what was his breaking point?

6. 
   

Dear Omar,

Dear Omar I know that you are going through a hard time with your brother and school but do not worry because since your in school the teachers will teach you how to take care of your brother so you can teach him everything you learn in school.

Sincerely,

Ali

Dear Fatuma,

Thank you for caring for my kids, feeding them, and letting Omar go to school. I'm still suffering here because of the war in Somalia but I can assure you that as soon as it's over I'll get my kids. Thank you for dealing with Hassan and helping him when he's all alone when Omar is at school. I appreciate you a lot and Inshallah I will make it up to you, thank you so much,

Love,

Iem Omar

Omar's Mom

Omar and Hassan meet a tall man named Salan. Salan wonders why Omar doesn't go to school and tells him his English is very good. Omar started seeing Salan around very often. One day, he found Fatuma and Salan talking, Fatuma tells Omar, Salan thinks he should go to school. Omar wants to go to school but worries about who will take care of Hassan. Salan convinces Omar to go to school but Omar still worries about Hassan.

On page 30, Omar doesn't want to go to school because he wants to protect and help his brother Hassan, and this reminded me of when I had to stay with my brother to help him, and I didn't want to and I wanted to play video games.

On page 26, Omar meets a new person named Salan, and this reminds me of when I meet a new person, like in school or when I met someone new in Iraq.

On page 31 Omar doesn't wanna leave Hassan's side like I don't wanna leave my sister's side.

Dear Hassan,

I've been given the oprotunity to go to school. I know I have to take care of you but it's very important that I get a good education since I may need it. I dont feel good about leaving you but it wont be for too long and you have fatouma.

Sincerely,

-Hassan

1. On page 26, Salan says that Omar is good at speaking English; this reminds me of when my mom told me I spoke good Arabic.

2. On page 33, Omar did not want to go to school, this reminds me of when I was worried and did not wanna go to school.

3. On page 38, Omar could not sleep at night and kept on thinking of deep thoughts, this reminds me of a time where I could not sleep at night and had many thoughts.

4. On page 28, Salan tells Omar if he ever haves a problem he can sort it out with Salan, this reminds me when my dad told me if I had a problem I could talk with them.

In chapter 2 of the book, Omar meets Salan. Salan is the comunity leader and that means that he takes care of other peoples problems. He asked Omar why he wasn't at school and why he wasn't at school. one day Omar sees Salan talking with Fatuma,and thats when she tells Omar that Salan thinks that he should go to school but she is more worried about having enough food for the kids to eat. Omar doesn't really know if he can go to school because he is worried about his brother, but the real reason he doesn't want to be put in school because he is scared that they will put him with kids under his age. At the end of the chapter he has trouble sleeping because he doesn't know if he should go to school or not.

Dear Salan,

Thank you for helping me and my community. I like how you help the community with food, school, and other problems. I appreciate how nice you were and how understanding you were of Hassan's disability. Although I did get uncomfortable with you talking to my foster mom, Fatuma, about me having to go to school, I do hope that Hassan will be fine or better off independent. Your care for my education really touched my heart. Hopefully I can learn in school and get a better education.

Thank you.

-Omar

Thank you,

Omar

Omar and his brother have been very hungry these past few days. His foster mom Fatuma fed Omar and Hassan tea. But they did not like the tea but they had to eat it because they had nothing else to eat. For the time being of them drinking tea they had to wait 15 days for food to arrive from the UN

1.) On page 72, all the kids play hide and seek. I can relate to this because I play hide and seek with my cousins.

2.) On page 60, everyone in Omars class is grumpy. I can relate to this because there are days were eveyone in our school is grumpy

3.) On page 70, Omar and Jeri were scared to check their grades. I can relate to this because I get scared to check my grades as well.

4.) On page 62, Omar is hungry. I can relate to this because I'm fasting amd at times, I also get hungry.

Dear Omar,

On the "empty days" I really wonder how you survive an impressively long time! But about the incident at the market with Tall Ali, I'm on your side here; but I really think that you should have gone for a different approach instead of beating the living... living out of him once he said the thing about your mother (P.77), this is all I have to say though because I am running out of words to speak out my mouth. Anyways, I really hope you do well later on in your "adventure in encampment".

Sincerely,

Hassan.

Pages 60-80 run through all of chapter 5 and some of chapter 6. They highlight how hard and challenging life in a refugee camp is. For example, everybody in the camp is always hungry, constantly needing food because what they have is never enough.

It also shows the struggle with Hassan, who , because of his disabilities, cannot understand day to day life, such as Omar needing to go to school or basic games. Overall, pages 60-80 show how deep Omar's struggles are.

2.) Shame fills Omar once he realizes how selfish he was acting for only thinking of himself. He realized other people have problems too. What are some struggles that you experience?

3.) Food is scarce at the refugee camp. Fatuma used tree bark to replace the initial ingredients she used in her tea. How did Omar react to this? How was his reaction different from Hassan's?

4.) Jeri talks about how he silently didn't like the nickname given to him. What did he reply when Omar asked him about why he wasn't mad that life could be easier.

1- What disability do you think Hassan has?

2- Imagin if you were Omars position, how would you feel going to bed hungry

3- If you were in Omar's position, how do you think you would feel without your mother.

4-

On page 65, Omar mistook the lady at the Rations for his mom, this reminds me of when I thought this random lady at the market was my mom.

On page 72, Hassan, Omar, and the kids at school play Night Hide-And-Seek, this reminds me of when me and my cousins used to play Hide-And-Seek at night in the village in Lebanon.

On page 70, Omar gets Number 33 in his class and he was almost at the very bottom, this reminds me of how I have the lowest grade in science from the whole class.

On page 79, Jeri and Omar talk about how disabled people are usually mistreated, this reminds me of how in the real world today many disabled and mentally ill people are treated badly and less than Normal people.

1) On page 46, Jeri says,"Next is history class. This one is really boring." I agree with Jeri because history is my least favorite subject and I think it's also really boring.

2) On page 49, Omar goes to Arabic class in school. I can relate to that because I also have arabic as a subject in school.

When Omar felt hesitant and nervous to go to school to not leave his brother and home, it reminded me of how when I was 3 years old, I was always scared of going to school and I always cried because I didn't want to leave my parents.

You didn't finish making the connections.

Ch-3-4

Dear Omar,

Dear Omar, I hope everything is going well in the refugee camps. I have been trying hard to figure things out here in Somalia. I apologize for the long delays. How is Hassan doing? I hope he has not been causing you trouble. I also hope the community has been treating you well and that you can make many friends. You better be using those math skills I have been teaching you. I miss you so much, and remember to never give up.

-Love, your mother

Love,

Your Mother

p. 39-59

1. Do you think Omar going to school is a good choice? Explain.

2. Why do you think Maryam is focusing on her studies?

3. What do you think will happen when Hassan stays home without Omar?

4. Do you think women staying home and not attending school is a good idea? Explain.

5. What do you think Omar will do to deal with his full day of work?

1. On page 49 Omar is learning Arabic that reminded me of when I am in school and learn.

Arabic

2. On page 42 when Nimo greets her friend Omar on the way to school it reminds me of when I am going to class and talking to my friends.

3. On page 50 when Omar leaves school and says bye to his friend it reminded me of when I leave school and tell my friends goodbye.

4. On page 51 when Hassan runs up to Omar and gives him a hug this reminded me of when I go home and my nephew runs to me and says hi.

1)On page 40, Hassan cries that omar is leaving him to go to school, This reminds me of my baby cousin when her mom would leave the house she would keep crying until she came back.

2) On page 44, Omar is shocked by the amount of people at school, this reminds me of the first time I walked into a public school and saw so many kids I was very shocked.

3) On page 47, Omar is trying to listen to the teacher but everyone is talking very loud and it was hard to focus, this reminds me of my first day of school when the teacher was introducing herself and everyone was very loud.

4) On page 50, Hassan runs to Omar after he comes back from school because he is so excited to see him, this reminds me of when I was a little kid everyday when my dad opened the door after he came back from work I would run and hug him.

I know you might not understand this but I want you to know that even though you cant talk you are very smart and thoughtful. You treat your brother with consideration. Without you, your brother would not get that offer to go to school.

Sincerely,

Ali Alawieh

pg-39-59

While Omar was getting ready to leave for school, Hassan began to cry because he didnt want Omar to leave him. Omar was happy about leaving, he was exited for a change, he did still feel bad for leaving Hassan though. Omar arrived too school with his friends and headed to English class first which was easy for him. Omar then found out all his classes were in English this made it difficult for him to learn so he had to pay close attention. After school once Omar got home he went straight to Hassan and taught him all the things he had learned at school.

1.) Why does Omar have trouble learning at school?

2.) Who is getting married off?

3.) Why is Omar stressed out?

4.)Why was Fatuma not able to go to school as a kid?

5.)What does Omar have to do early in the morning?

Dear Hassan,

Dear, Hassan I had a pretty good day at school today I guess but it just isn't the same without you it was pretty lonely and I felt scared for you because you might get hurt but at least I get to see you after school over some of the classes are boring but I like math and sometimes I'm mad on how many chores and schoolwork I have, if I'm angry at you I'm very sorry because I've had a bad day even if I shout at you don't think that I don't love you.

Sincerely, Montather

Sincerely,

Montather

Dear Omar

Dear Omar,

I know how overwhelmed you feel right now because of school, homework, cleaning the house, and taking care of your brother Hassan, especially when you lost your parents and you have no one that is always there for you. I wrote this letter to tell you that you are doing good, and I wanted to tell you that you are a patient and calm person and I want you to keep working hard.

Sincerely Mohamad Abdallah

Sincerely,

Mohamad Abdallah

1.) On pg 153, why do you think the news reporter comes and doesnt help the people?

2.) On pg 159, why do you think Omar was so grumpy?

3.) On pg 160, how do you think Omar felt when he heard he was on the list?

4.) On pg 165, why do you think Jeri was ignoring Omar?

1.) On page 158, Omar is debating with his classmates. I can connect to this because I do debating in my free time.

2.) On page 165 Omar is rehearsing what he's going to say at his interview with the United Nations. I can relate to this because whenever I have an important event, I like to practice what i'm going to say.

3.)On page 166 Omar misses Jeri. I can relate because I miss my friends when I don't see them often.

4.) On page 167, Omar is preparing his clothes for the interview. I can relate because I like to get all of my things ready before something important.

1. Why do you think Nimo isn't happy about moving to a better country and being on the list?

2. Why was Jeri ignoring and avoiding Omar ever since Omar got on the list?

3. What do you think will happen to Fatuma if Hassan and Omar leave?

   
   

Dear Omar,

I cant believe we're on the list. I know I cant show my affection, but Im so grateful that we get to leave the camp and go to America. There, we will have an actual house and a yummy meal every day. we will never be hungry again. Im going to miss our neighbors, but Im very excited to make new ones in America.

Love,

Hassan.

Dear Mariam, I feel bad for you that you got married early and had to leave school and leave your dreams to go to the university with Nimo in Canada.Nshallah one day you can go back to studying and going to your dream university.

Chapter 10: Omar and his brothers life in the refugee camp became the same everyday. Their life became dull by repeating the same actions everyday. Time to time something interesting would happen but unfortunatley those experiences were short lived. But one day Omar and his brother has had something that would change his life. They got picked to go to America!

Chapter 11:

In chapter 11 it expresses the different emotions Omar had felt, he was shocked, excited, scared, all blended together in a jumble of not knowing how to feel about this life changing event. Jeri, Omar's best friend was just sad and a bit jealous that his closest friend got picked and not him. Omar goes to the interview that the UN set up to tell wether you will really be getting moved to a different country or not.

Tall Ali tells Omar and Hassan that the TV crew is at the refugee camp, here we learn that usually they are white people, and on rare occasions, they give the refugees candy.

P.154-157:

The teacher announces that a UN member (Susana Martinez) is coming, and requires excellence of the school, at the end of class, the teacher asks Omar to stay for a while where Susana gives Omar "Motivational talk 101".

P.159-165:

It was a normal day for Omar until Pre-Algebra, tall Ali reveals to Omar that he and Nimo are on the list to be sent to America, Omar is grateful for this, but Nimo is sorry that her sister cannot come! Omar's friend Jeri has not said a word since.