This story is heartbreaking. It details the treacherous journey that Syrian families must make to try and reach safety in Europe. First they must cross the Syrian border into Turkey, which is not easy. Then they must travel across the Mediterranean Sea in worn-out, over-packed boats to reach Greece. Smugglers charge exorbitant prices and families must have a minimum amount of life savings to even attempt the journey. Many families who set out never make it, and those who do face possible years in detention centers before they gain asylum.

This is the story of Ghalib and his family. When his father makes the decision to leave their bombed-out Syrian village, Ghalib, his sister Bushra and younger brother, Alan set out for Europe. Along the way they must walk long distances, worry about food and water, avoid a child sniper, wait in an overcrowded encampment at the Syrian border, get separated, live in a refugee camp, and finally barely survive the trip in a leaky boat across the Mediterranean Sea.

This is a fascinating read for anyone who wants to know more about the crisis that is happening RIGHT NOW. Since the book is written for children, the author provides a happy ending. Ghalib and his family make it. But in order to keep it real, the author provides a list the end of the book of the names and brief story of real children who have died or disappeared in the struggle for freedom. One of those children is the toddler who drowned which resulted in at a photo that went viral around the world.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. With a little coaxing, librarians will be able to get kids to read this. ( )