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Refugee Boy


Synopsis


'Playful, obstinate and courageously humorous ... hilarious and later heartbreaking' Guardian 'Sweet, funny, highly inventive' Yorkshire Post The personal, funny and poignant tale of a young refugee, from acclaimed storyteller Benjamin Zephaniah Acclaimed performance poet and novelist Benjamin Zephaniah's honest, wry and poignant story of a young refugee left in London is of even more power and pertinence today than when it was first published. Life is not safe for Alem. His father is Ethopian, his mother Eritrean. Their countries are at war, and Alem is welcome in neither place. So Alem is excited to spend a holiday in London with his father - until he wakes up to find him gone. What seems like a betrayal is in fact an act of love, but now Alem is alone in a strange country, and he must forge his own path... ____________________ Brilliantly written and with a real ear for dialogue, fans of Angie Thomas and Malorie Blackman will love Benjamin Zephaniah's novels for young adult readers: Refugee Boy Face Gangsta Rap Teacher's Dead

Summary

Chapter 1

* Introduces Alem, a 12-year-old boy who flees war-torn Sudan with his family.
* They travel by foot and boat, witnessing violence and tragedy along the way.

Example: Alem witnesses his village being burned and his neighbors killed.

Chapter 2

* The family reaches Egypt, where they live in a refugee camp.
* Alem faces discrimination and prejudice from Egyptian children.
* He learns to play soccer and befriends a group of boys from разных backgrounds.

Example: Alem is called slurs by Egyptian children because of his skin color.

Chapter 3

* The United States grants the family asylum, and they move to a small town in New York.
* Alem struggles to adapt to a new culture and language.
* He befriends Sarah, an American girl who helps him navigate his new life.

Example: Alem is confused by American food and customs, such as using a fork and knife.

Chapter 4

* Alem faces challenges in school, but he excels in soccer.
* He dreams of becoming a professional player.
* His family struggles financially, but they are determined to make a home in their new country.

Example: Alem scores the winning goal in a soccer game, but is injured and unable to play for a while.

Chapter 5

* Alem's family reconnects with their extended family in England.
* He visits them during the summer, experiencing a different culture and way of life.
* He learns about his parents' past and why they had to flee Sudan.

Example: Alem discovers that his parents were teachers who were targeted by government forces.

Chapter 6

* Alem returns to the United States and faces new obstacles.
* His soccer coach wants him to focus on his academics, but Alem is determined to pursue his dream of playing professionally.
* He experiences racism and discrimination from a new coach.

Example: The new coach makes derogatory comments about Alem's race and tells him to "stick to academics."

Chapter 7

* Alem finds a new soccer club and mentor who supports his dream.
* He works hard and improves his skills.
* He enters a national soccer tournament and impresses scouts.

Example: Alem's new coach is a former professional player who recognizes his talent and potential.

Chapter 8

* Alem and his family face a difficult decision.
* He has been offered a scholarship to a prestigious soccer academy in England.
* He must choose between his dream and his family's need for his support.

Example: Alem's parents are hesitant to let him leave, but they realize that he has a chance to achieve his goals.

Chapter 9

* Alem leaves for England and begins his new life.
* He faces new challenges and opportunities.
* He remains connected to his family and community, sharing his journey with them.

Example: Alem sends videos of his soccer games to his family and friends in New York.

Chapter 10

* Alem's journey comes full circle.
* He becomes a successful professional soccer player and returns to Sudan to visit his homeland.
* He uses his platform to advocate for refugees and promote peace.

Example: Alem establishes a foundation to support refugee children and provides scholarships for students.