49 pages • 1 hour read
Katherine MarshA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Nowhere Boy by Katherine Marsh is a young adult novel set in Brussels, Belgium, in 2015-2016, alternating between the perspectives of Ahmed, a 14-year-old Syrian refugee, and Max, a 13-year-old American experiencing homesickness. When Max discovers Ahmed living in the basement of his home, they form a friendship, facing the climate of fear and threat of discovery, and Max helps Ahmed attend school and ultimately search for his father. This story explores themes of friendship and empathy against xenophobia and oppression. This novel contains depictions of war, discrimination, and violence.
Katherine Marsh's Nowhere Boy impresses with its touching narrative, capturing the innocence of childhood amidst complex themes of migration and friendship. Readers praise its emotional depth and cultural relevance, though some note a predictable plot and lack of nuanced character development. Overall, it's a heartwarming, if somewhat straightforward, read.
Young readers who relish heartfelt, suspenseful tales of resilience and friendship will cherish Nowhere Boy. Fans of Refugee by Alan Gratz or Wonder by R.J. Palacio will find its exploration of courage and humanity in the face of adversity similarly compelling. Ideal for those intrigued by global issues and personal triumphs.
Realistic Fiction
Historical Fiction
Action / Adventure
Relationships: Family