The Sky at Our Feet
Nadia Hashimi, Author
Harper Collins, Fiction, Mar. 6, 2018
Suitable for Ages: 8-12
Pages: 291
Themes: American-Afghani boy, Undocumented immigrant parent, Family Relationships, Runaways, Epilepsy, Courage, Friendship
Book Jacket Synopsis:
Twelve-year-old Jason has just learned that his Afghan mother has been living illegally in the United States since his father was killed in Afghanistan. Although Jason was born in the US, it’s hard to feel American now when he’s terrified that his mother will be discovered—and that they will be separated.
When he sees his mother being escorted from her workplace by two officers, Jason feels completely alone. He boards a train with the hope of finding his aunt in New York City, but as soon as he arrives in Penn Station, the bustling city makes him wonder if he’s overestimated what he can do.
After an accident lands him in the hospital, Jason finds an unlikely ally in a fellow patient. Max, a whip-smart girl who wants nothing more than to explore the world on her own terms, joins Jason in planning a daring escape out of the hospital and into the skyscraper jungle—even though they both know that no matter how big New York City is, they won’t be able to run forever.
Why I like this book:
Nadia Hashimi has skillfully penned a moving and sensitive tale about two brave teens on the run in New York City (NYC) when difficult circumstances uproot their lives. Their amusing adventure through the Big Apple showcases the city’s character with its subways, NYC Marathon, Central Park Zoo, food trucks, and police officers on horses.
The characters are authentic and believable. Jason’s strong narrative highlights/underscores the dilemma for children of undocumented immigrant families. He witnesses his mother being arrested by police at work because she didn’t renew her visa and is an illegal immigrant. What will happen to him? He sneaks into their apartment, packs his backpack, and embarks on a journey to find his Auntie Seema in NYC.
Jason blacks out in the train station and wakes up in a hospital with a head injury. There he meets Max, a girl who is smart and artful in helping Jason dodge a police officer’s questioning. She’s trapped like an inmate in her hospital prison and longs to experience a big adventure before she undergoes a major surgery. Together they plot an epic hospital escape and navigate the streets evading police officers.
The author sets aside the political aspects involved in deportation of decent immigrant parents and their American children. Instead she focuses on the emotional and physical impact on a teen like Jason. His fear that his mother may be sent back to Afghanistan forever, is daunting. How is a Muslim boy in America supposed to cope with something so big? His mother hasn’t created a plan for Jason if she’s arrested. He’s left to his own resources to find Auntie Seema.
The plot is original and courageous with moments of humor, action, danger, and suspense that will keep readers quickly turning pages. When Max has a seizure along the way, Jason is challenged to find the way on his own. This is an engaging read about current and thought-provoking issues. It is also heartwarming and hopeful and a good choice for classroom discussions.
Greg Pattridge is the host for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.
Book: Library copy.
Children's Books Heal 
What an engaging story, Patricia. I enjoyed reading your synopsis. I’m certain it would have great appeal to children.
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Yes, it will appeal to teens, because it is a fun adventure that has its teaching moments.
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Sounds like a wonderful, thought provoking book. (Sadly, so many kids are experiencing this exact immigration nightmare.)
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I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it is on children. Recently heard about the boy who is starving himself to death because of the separation. You can’t fix that kind of damage.
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Beyond awful.
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Sounds like a great read. And so timely.
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It is very timely and has many humorous moments.
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I’m impressed that the author could find humor in such a grim subject. Once again, Patricia, your review has intrigued me.
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Both kids only want to live normal lives. They don’t like the situations they are in, so they do something about it. And, it has moments of humor.
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I like the unusual cover. The story should resonate with kids who are facing the same issues and those who need more understanding. It would be a great companion book to The Stars Beneath Our Feet.
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The cover is gorgeous and very different. I agree, this would pair with The Stars Beneath Our Feet.
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This sounds like a much needed story — focusing on the deep aspects trauma involved in destabilization. Our brains are too easily able to somehow assume our’ realities are others’ realities too; that somehow people aren’t really experiencing these things. I am the proud parent of two amazing children who come from hard places, and live with PTSD. We have the resources to give incredible support and therapy, but my heart constantly sinks for those children who are left to drift, caught in the ocean of poverty and governance that would rather put war and politics over humanity. Thank you for this wonderful newsletter, I’ve been a subscriber for several years and always look forward to it.
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I have an amazing son from another country and I understand the difficulties.
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Another great book about children dealing with issues beyond them. Children like to read about others their age and how they deal with contemporary issues. A great review as always.
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Thank you Darlene. The teems in this book are dealing with big issues and just want to be like other kids.
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Sounds engaging and timely–and I love the cover/title combination. Thank you for letting me know about this book!
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You are welcome. It is a compelling weave. Kids have so much to deal with today. Liked the adventure in the story.
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This sounds like a really timely book and a good one. Thanks for telling me about it.
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It is an adventuresome novel with timely issues. I enjoyed the humor and the kids trek across the Big Apple.
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Wow, this sounds like ti packs a punch, with lots of nuance. What a great premise.
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Yes, it does! I liked the premise, but I liked the kid’s adventure across NYC. You’d enjoy that!
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From the description, it’s quite a timely and interesting book. Thank your for posting about it today.
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I love the variety of immigration stories being written that will find their way to the right reader.
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