book cover

Welcome to Nowhere

by Elizabeth Laird

Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 9+

Published by Pan Macmillan, 2017

  • Around the world

About this book

Twelve-year-old Omar and his family live in the beautiful and bustling city of Bosra, Syria. Omar doesn't know much about politics, nor does he care, he just wants to grow up to be a successful entrepreneur. However, when his older brother, Musa, throws his lot in with the student opposition to the government, everything changes. Soon bombs are falling, people are dying, and Omar and his family have no choice but to flee their homes, and after that their country.

Laird, as always, takes on a complex international issue and deftly translates it for younger readers. While clearly about the Syrian civil war and refugee crisis, this book is perfect for developing understanding amongst children and teenagers regarding conflict and the resulting exodus of people anywhere.

Joint winners of the UKLA Book Award in 2018: 7-11 category.

About the author

Elizabeth Laird is the award-winning author of many highly acclaimed novels. She has written over 30 books for children on a broad range of subjects, from historical adventures to real life stories, picture books to retelling of folk tales. She has won many awards, including the Children's Book Award for Kiss the Dust, the Smarties Young Judges Award, and the Lancashire Book Award. Elizabeth has been shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal five times as well as every other major children’s book award.

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