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4.5
Ava babcockMs. ShineBook reviewMarch 23, 2017Persevere and be braveThe book Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate, is one of the most touching and entertaining books I've read in a long time and it never stopped making me want to read more. Keks journey through the book is very lighthearted but funny and he perseveres through the tough situations he goes through and doesn't stop believing in what he wants. This book has strong emotions to flow and carry you through book, strong and poetic descriptions to create a visual image in your mind, and finally, realistic characters to help you relate. In the end, we learn The most about persevering than anything else.This story takes place in present time. Kek is from Africa and has to move to America because his dad and brother died from an attack and his mother went missing. He doesn't want to live in America and really wants to find his mother. But eventually, he finds friends and has a fun time. He even makes a special friend... A cow! Kek goes through a lot during these situations in the story but his friends and family help him throughout the way.This book can get very emotional. For example, at one point in the story Kek he's talking to his cousin, Ganwar. Ganwar is saying that Kek shouldn't believe what he does. He thinks that believing is not right. The text says, “Finally Ganwar speaks/ They're all gone Kek/ They're all dead./ I want to hate Ganwar for his words./ But I am too weary for anger./ Already there are so many people to hate,/ too many./ Not all ,I finally whisper./ Not Mama./ He sighs, it isn't good to fool yourself./ I've learned that much./ Hoping isn't foolish, I say.” (p. 44) This was emotional because Keks cousin was just pushing all his hopes down the drain and not letting him think what he wants to think, even if it might not be true. The text also says, “Listen, buddy, Dave says,/ I'm afraid I've got some more news./ I heard from Diane./ They tracked down the people made it to/ The two refugee camps I told you about./ Something grabs my throat/ and tries to steal the air away./ None of them was your mom, Kek./ I look away./ Nearby a crow flaps it's great, black wings.”(p. 196) This was emotional because Kek was just figuring out that the people hadn't found his mom yet. He was super disappointed and from then on started little by little, not believing. This book can be very emotional.This book is very poetic and descriptive. For example, the text says,” The cow is near a fine,/ wide-armed,/ good-for-climbing tree./ To say the truth of it,/ she is not the most beautiful of cows./ Her belly sags/ and her coat is scarred/ and her face tells me/ she remembers sweeter days.” This part of the text shows me that it is very poetic and descriptive because reading this, I could really imagine what the cow looks like. The text also says, “Lou puts her hands on her hips./ She’s wearing jeans like mine and a big shirt./ Her hair is short and silver/ like a fresh moon./ She has many wrinkles/ to show her great knowledge/ of the world.” (p. 118) this part in the book was very descriptive. It really helped me figure out and know what the lady looks like. Her description helped me know what her personality is like. This book is very descriptive.And last, this book has very realistic and relatable characters. Having realistic characters helps you relate to the book. For example, the text says,” I reach out and touch/ a piece of bright green food/ I've never seen before./ And then I begin to cry./ Hannah rushes over to my side./It's OK, she says./ We can leave if you want.” This shows relatable characters because I think if you were new to a country, and has never seen a store before, you would most likely be overwhelmed with all the items and food. The text also says, “Do you like the cold?/I want to say/ No, this cold is like claws on my skin!” This quote from the story may be short, but it sure is relatable. I can imagine that someone that hasn't been in snow before would dislike it. I know I would, with all the stinging and coldness of it! This book is relatable.Throughout this book, Kek goes through very tough situations that finds a way to sneak through all of them. We learned that persevering and having grit is the best way to get through almost all the tough situations in life. Just be brave and try your best. I definitely give this book a five out of five star rating! You absolutely have to read this.
