Sisters of the War: Two Remarkable True Stories of Survival and Hope in Syria

Sooo boring. I love books and this one was definitely not my cup of tea.
It is more about the war than the girls.

one from the city, the other from the country but both from war torn Syria.

Sisters of the War is a book that will inform, educate and could possibly effect change. The publisher notes they think it is appropriate for 7th grade and above or 12 year olds and above. Id add to that the kids should be emotionally mature, if theyre reading this book by themselves. In a perfect world, this book would be read by families together and the difficult passages, of which there are many, could be discussed.

Civil war in Syria began in 2011 and this story begins then. After a brief introduction, the chapters bounce back and forth between the two girls and families and spans the 9 years thru the epilogue in 2019. The horrors are many: parental death, sibling death, kidnapping, imprisonments, refugee status, loss of home, being shot, threatened, hungry, cold, fear, constant debilitating fear and the unknown. All tho there are brief moments of childhood that peek thru, this is not an Happy Hallmark story; its gritty, scary and at times gruesome. This is a TRUE story. It really happened, just like its being told. The girls are real. The events are real. Its all – vividly – real.

Its also a story that exudes love, perseverance, strength of family, commitment to faith and country, willingness to die for your beliefs and your faith. Theres strength in these young girls and hope for a future thats different and better; one where they and their families & friends can be free to flourish, just be FREE.

The writing is spectacular. I learned so much and was ever so thankful to do so without all the political snark and to see it from the Syrian POV. Id be surprised if theres not an award somewhere in this books future.

All things considered, an effecting read that should be read and discussed by many

Based on the publisher’s summary and a quick look at this book, I thought it would be a great choice for my middle grade library collection for my patrons who enjoy narrative non-fiction. Reading the book, however, it became clear that while the reading level is likely only 5th or 6th grade, the text includes lengthy sections describing the politics, unrest and subjugation of those in the lower classes or minority religions in Syria. While I learned a great deal, this book, as Kirkus Reviews indicate, is geared to readers of narrative non-fiction in junior high or even high school. The story will keep readers engaged and its message is one of hope, but there is also much to learn about Syrian civil war in this one. Libraries will high readership in the political science, war sections of their collection may want to consider this one.

The author took many risks traveling back and forth between international borders to get this story. Rania Abouzeid took interviews with the children of two different families, one living in Damascus and Blouta and the other in Saraqib. Rania Abouzed began interview In early 2011 when the first protests began in Damascus through the revolution, We see the revolution between the eyes of children.

The children experienced the peacefulness before, when they could play in the streets of Damascus without fear of being killed by rockets or being kidnapped. Ruhain in Saraqib, could walk the streets with a scarf instead of a veil. But as demonstrations in Syria, sparked by Mohammed Bouzizi setting himelf on fire in Tunisa, spreading in Egypt, Yemen, Libya and Bahrian, and then to Syria. The Syrian Revolution began. The children in the families who were protecte by their parents did not know why the demonstrationThe author took many risks traveling back and forth between international borders to get this story. Rania Abouzeid took interviews with the children of two different families, one living in Damascus and Blouta and the other in Saraqib. Rania Abouzed began interview In early 2011 when the first protests began in Damascus through the revolution, We see the revolution between the eyes of children. The children experienced the peacefulness before, when they could play in the streets of Damascus without fear of being killed by rockets or being kidnapped. Ruhain in Saraqib, could walk the streets with a scarf instead of a veil. But as demonstrations in Syria, sparked by Mohammed Bouzizi setting himelf on fire in Tunisa, spreading in Egypt, Yemen, Libya and Bahrian, and then to Syria. The Syrian Revolution began. The children in the families who were protecte by their parents did not know why the demonstration were being held.
But later, it could not be hidden from them anymore. They experienced fear of having their living quarters struck by rockets, loss of electricity a feeling their family being safe and even kidnapping by rebels who treated them like slaves. The families went through what was like a living hell. The author takes us through the horrors of war as seen by the children to the uneasy aftermath.
I learned so from this book and highly recommend it to seventh graders and about, all adults and including senior citizens.

were being held.

But later, it could not be hidden from them anymore. They experienced fear of having their living quarters struck by rockets, loss of electricity a feeling their family being safe and even kidnapping by rebels who treated them like slaves. The families went through what was like a living hell. The author takes us through the horrors of war as seen by the children to the uneasy aftermath.

I learned so from this book and highly recommend it to seventh graders and about, all adults and including senior citizens.

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