Sign in
Read to Sleep
Books
Kids
Popular
Authors & Events
Gifts & Deals
Audio
Sign In
Look Inside
Aug 10, 2021 | ISBN 9781984897138 | Young Adult Pre-Order
Jun 16, 2020 | ISBN 9781984897114 | Young Adult Buy
Jun 16, 2020 | ISBN 9781984897121 | Young Adult Buy
Also available from:
Available from:
Aug 10, 2021 | ISBN 9781984897138 | Young Adult
Jun 16, 2020 | ISBN 9781984897114 | Young Adult
Jun 16, 2020 | ISBN 9781984897121 | Young Adult
Adapted from the adult memoir, this gripping and acclaimed story follows one boy’s journey into young adulthood, against the backdrop of civil war and his ultimate immigration to America in search of a better life.Abdi Nor Iftin grew up amidst a blend of cultures, far from the United States. At home in Somalia, his mother entertained him with vivid folktales and bold stories detailing her rural, nomadic upbrinding. As he grew older, he spent his days following his father, a basketball player, through the bustling streets of the capital city of Mogadishu. But when the threat of civil war reached Abdi’s doorstep, his family was forced to flee to safety. Through the turbulent years of war, young Abdi found solace in popular American music and films. Nicknamed Abdi the American, he developed a proficiency for English that connected him–and his story–with news outlets and radio shows, and eventually gave him a shot at winning the annual U.S. visa lottery. Abdi shares every part of his journey, and his courageous account reminds readers that everyone deserves the chance to build a brighter future for themselves.FOUR STARRED REVIEWS!
Adapted from the adult memoir, this gripping and acclaimed story follows one boy’s journey into young adulthood, against the backdrop of civil war and his ultimate immigration to America, in search of a better life.In Somalia, Abdi Nor Iftin grew up amidst a blend of cultures. His mother entertained him with vivid folktales and bold stories about her rural, nomadic upbrinding. As he grew older, he spent his days following his father, a basketball player, through the bustling street of the capital city of Mogadishu. But when the threat of civil war reached Abdi’s doorstep, his family was forced to flee to safety. Through the turbulent years of war, young Abdi found solace in popular American music and films. Nicknamed Abdi the American, he developed a proficiency for English that connected him–and his story–with news outlets and radio shows, and eventually gave him a shot at winning the annual U.S. visa lottery. Abdi shares every part of his journey, and his courageous account reminds readers that everyone deserves the chance to build a brighter future for themselves.
ABDI NOR IFTIN currently lives in Portland, Maine, where he works as an interpreter for Somalis who have immigrated to the state. Abdi was accepted to the University of Southern Maine, where he will be studying political science.
“Devastating, inspiring, and ultimately hopeful.” —SLJ, starred review“An absolutely stunning survival story that is beautifully and vividly written. . . . Simply a terrific read.” —Booklist, starred review“This remarkable, nuanced story facilitates a deeper understanding of immigration today. A triumphant memoir that offers hope for Somalia’s and, indeed, America’s futures.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review“Young Abdi is a tremendously appealing figure in his desire to enjoy music and movies and find an alternative to the only choices Somalia offers him. . . . The narrative is genuinely suspenseful.” —The Bulletin, starred review
Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Books SELECTION 2020
Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network
Stay in Touch
By clicking Sign Up, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
