City News

In the 2008 realistic fiction novel Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate, a young Sudan boy named Kek has fled from the violence from his country and has traveled alone to America. Kek’s father and older brother were killed during an attack on their camp, and Kek was forced to leave his mother behind to save his own life. As Kek learns about American culture, he is continuously waiting to hear any word about his mother. Kek learns the English language, makes friends with a diverse group, and does his best to learn at his school. 

At the beginning, Kek is picked up by Dave in Minnesota. On the way, Kek asks Dave to stop at a dilapidated farm they pass by when he sees an old cow standing in the snowy field. Cows are vital for Kek’s people in Sudan, and this cow suddenly reminds him of the home he has forever lost. They arrive at an apartment where Kek reunites with his aunt, Nyatal, and his older cousin, Ganwar, both who have previously fled from Sudan. 

Kek soon learns that the Refugee Resettlement Center is actively looking for his mother in other refugee camps in Africa, unfortunately he is told that the chances of finding her are slim. Nevertheless, Kek clings stubbornly to his hope that he will see his mother again someday. Dave eventually helps Kek purchase some school clothes and Kek begins his year in an ESL class. He is amazed by the opportunity to learn in a school with his very own large desk and is surrounded by classmates from all over the world. Even his teacher, Ms. Hernandez, is an immigrant and serves as a calm mentor for Kek while he is currently overwhelmed by his new “modern” life.

During lunch, Kek befriends Hannah, a girl who lives with a foster family because her mom is currently under drug rehabilitation. Kek also finds a job working for Louis (Lou), by taking care of a cow. Later, Kek receives help from his classmates to name the cow “Gol”, which means family in his language. I love how Kek is constantly finding ways to make the best of what he has with his new life in a new country. Of course, he has encountered many funny experiences in America, such as when he put dishes in a laundry machine, was fascinated by a french fry and ketchup, and when he thought chocolate milk came from brown cows.

This book is written entirely in free verse style, making it distinct among any other book I have ever read. One of the characteristics of this book that I admire is how the author portrays both Sudan culture while also giving a sense of what it is like to learn American culture. Kek is shown as a character with a boundless capacity of hope, determination, and love. Although this book is not very extensive, the amount of detail and storytelling taken place is incredible. The other characters were very likable and kind to Kek, and Kek never loses hope about his mother.

I would highly recommend this book to any young reader. Although not very extensive, it is definitely worth a read. This novel is a story overflowing with emotion, hope, and strong-mindedness.

Check out Home of the Brave from NBPL!