World in Between: Based on a True Refugee Story

by Kenan Trebincevic, Susan Shapiro (Illustrator)

The story of a Muslim boy’s exile from war-torn Bosnia to the United States.​

Kenan loves drawing and playing soccer with his friends. He wants to be a famous athlete, hates it when his classmates trash his buck teeth by calling him “Bugs Bunny,” and fights with his big brother, who’s too busy and cool for him lately. Sometimes his parents drive him crazy, but he feels loved and protected—until the war ruins everything.

Soon, Kenan’s family is trapped in their home with little food or water, surrounded by enemies. Ten months later, with help from friends and strangers, they finally make it out of the country alive. But that’s only the beginning of their journey.

Genres: Middle Grade, Memoir, Realistic Fiction, War, Survival, Historical, Sports

375 pages, Hardcover

First published July 27, 2021

Reviews

[Kirin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a lot of refugee stories over the years about people leaving a variety of countries, and while each one, no matter the quality of writing, is heartbreaking and important, this middle grades 384 page historical fiction/ fictionalized biography account stands out because it is written so incredibly well.  The story shows young Kenan's life before the Balkan War in Bosnia, a year of the war, life in Vienna, and then in the USA.  The book is personable, relatable, and informative.  I had a very hard time putting it down despite knowing that the main character, the author, obviously survived; as the story is engaging and powerful and doesn't rely on the horrific war to carry the character building and story arcs alone.  The character identifies as Muslim, but doesn't actively practice or know much about Islam, sports and art are highlighted as universal activities that bridge cultures, language, and foster respect.  The book mentions drinking, kissing, hints at a crush, and features bullying, death, killing, and torture.  Suitable for mature fourth graders and up.

SYNOPSIS:

Kenan has a good life in Brčko, Yugoslavia, he is good at soccer, is an amazing artist, has a bunch of friends, a teacher he likes, loving extended family, his father owns a popular gym, and his mom is an office manager, sure his older brother picks on him sometimes and he gets called, "Bugs Bunny" because of his large protruding teeth, but when it all comes crashing down because of his religion, he is at a loss as to why it suddenly matters.  While neighbors and classmates start sneaking off in the night fearing that the Serbs are going to kill all the Muslims and Catholics, Kenan's dad holds out hope that he is well loved by everyone at his gym, no matter their religion.  But the family waits too long to leave, and friends, neighbors, classmates, and teachers quickly turn in to enemies.  Kenan's buddies threaten and abuse him, his favorite teacher holds him at gun point, and neighbors shoot holes in their water cans.  The family ultimately has to hunker down in their apartment without much water, food, and electricity.  They get to Kenan's aunt's house in a safe zone, but the men have to register and his father and brother are taken to a concentration camp.  Somehow they get released, but the family's troubles are just beginning.  Along the way they will be betrayed by people they thought they could trust and helped by people that they thought hated them- no matter the country, no matter people's religion.  The family will get to Austria and to Kenan's uncle, but even being away from war doesn't give them peace.  They don't speak the language, they can't work, they must take charity.  Eventually they find themselves in Connecticut, and while some American's make their difficult lives even worse, some prove to be absolute angels to a family that is trying to make a life in a new country while the war wages on back home.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love that stories about the Balkan War are becoming more and more available, it is long overdue, and I'm glad that through literature, authentic voices are keeping the memory of the horrific acts from being forgotten.  The story is compelling, a few threads I wanted resolved that weren't (more information on his grandma, his uncle in Vienna, his aunt that they left behind), but the narrative is rich and does a great job staying relevant to its target audience and not overwhelming the reader with politics or sensationalized emotions.  The rawness of the experience being processed by the 11 year old protagonist is impactful enough and doesn't need to be exaggerated.  The book is not depressing, in fact there is a lot of joy and hope and kindness.  

I love that Kenan acknowledges that he has been to the mosque once with his uncle, that they don't fast in Ramadan, but they do celebrate Eid.  It hints that at times they may drink, but they are good about not eating pork, although they eat jell-o. In shop class in the United States his first project is a replica of the mosque in their neighborhood.  Their names are known to be Muslim in Bosnia, and that is enough for them to endure the ethnic cleansing, belief or adherence, is not a factor.

I love that sports and art are universal.  Math is too, but Kenan isn't good at math.  He wins accolades in each country for his drawings, and gets respect from classmates for his athletic ability.  Not speaking the language is hard, but being able to prove yourself in other ways is a salvation for Kenan.  He is on teams, he goes to the World Cup, he gets in fights, he is honored in the newspaper.  Life in general grounds him, yet soccer and drawing give him a release to excel in.

I love the diversity of everyone in each country.  Heroes are seen in immigrants, minorities, Americans, a Methodist preacher, an Israeli bus driver, a Serb bus driver, a Serb soldier and his family, a .  There are awful immigrants, and white Americans, and Serbs- it really shows that some people are just good and kind, and some people are not, it isn't linked to any faith or country or culture or neighborhood or skin tone.  I was surprised that at no point were their other Muslims.   We got to know so many wonderful Bosnians in the 90s as our family helped them get settled, that I was really hoping there would be some in Connecticut working with the churches that helped settle Kenan and his family.  That isn't a critique of the book, though, just my disappointment in my fellow Muslim-Americans for not stepping up enough in real life to make the literary cut, I suppose.

FLAGS:

Violence, torture, death, bullying, killing, shooting, hints at sexual assault, physical assault, ethnic cleansing, genocide, war.  It mentions that Kenan's brother got to kiss a girl and have a drink, but nothing more detailed than that.  Kenan has a crush on a girl, but it manifests periodically as him just wondering if she survived and is ok.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

This book is on a short list for me to use next year for middle school book club.  It is a little below grade level for my group, but book club is supposed to be fun and not a burden, so I think it will be perfect.  The kids are going to absolutely love Kenan.  He is so relatable and personable, that I don't think any supplemental questions or discussion points will be needed.  Kids will have lots of thoughts about Islam in Bosnia, friends turn enemies, restarting in new countries again and again, anger at people that didn't step up, glee when people did, jealousy when he gets to go to a World Cup game, and hopefully empathy for so many who's world changed so quickly.  The biggest takeaways will be how it didn't take much to help, and I hope all readers will recognize that we can be kind and we can help and we can respect and care enough to truly help others.  

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is hard to read because it is heartbreaking. But it is an absolute must. Follow Kenan's exile from war-torn Bosnia to Vienna to his new home in the United States.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group through NetGalley.
Powerful story about this author's journey from Yugoslavia during the war. His family was attacked and persecuted for being Muslims. Readers see the constant fear they lived under and everything they endured before they were able to escape to Vienna. From there, they were chosen to emigrate to the United States. Once there, readers see the difficulties of adjusting to a new country without money, jobs, a home or the ability to speak the language.
Though those who have not experiences such a journey cannot completely understand, middle graders will be offered a direct window into this family's journey. OwnVoices books like this one help others learn from and respect others' life stories.

[Lsam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This middle grade book tells the compelling story of a Muslim boy, Kenan, and his family when unrest arises in their home country of Bosnia. At first, they stay because Kenan’s father feels it will pass, but then the family realizes that they must flee their homeland for safety after friends betray them. Readers learn about the Bosnian War and connect with Kenan’s conflicted feelings as a young refugee—sadness, fear, anger, confusion, disbelief, displacement, and loneliness as well the delight of his beloved soccer, his new friends, and ultimately his hopefulness for the future. Starting over after war and making a home in a new country is not easy, but Kenan’s journey helps readers—young and old—understand what it is truly like.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so part of the reason this is 5 stars is because part of it takes place where I live and it is really cool to see where you live in a book. But the other reason is that it takes you into the world of a child whose life is turned upside down by a war brought about by religious prejudice. What he goes through in Bosnia is sad, but what is heart-breaking is the belief he holds onto that he will be able to go home. Excellent for SEL teaching as well as social studies.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Link to my book talk: https://youtu.be/mFfgCOpu3C8

I really enjoyed reading and learning about the author's childhood. Middle graders will learn a lot of facts about the history and enjoy the well-written story. Readers will be touched by Kenan's hope for a better future.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving, inspiring and a must-read for everyone of any age (for the sensitive out there, have a tissue on hand!)

While I have not personally experienced war during my youth. I connected so much with the main character who loses his childhood and sense of security during his country’s senseless war.

This is a must-read book for those of all ages.

Kenan, the main character, is a 12-year-old living an ordinary life who is crazy for sports including soccer “fudbal.” In a flash, his life totally changes and he and his family are forced to leave their home and then their country. Kenan is betrayed by several people including, heartbreakingly, his mentor Mr. Miran, now apparently an anti-Muslim member of the military, who threatens to kill him with an AK-47 while Kenan is out buying bread for his family. The next day, this same former teacher shows up at Kenan’s family home and tells everyone to leave, again, threatening to kill everyone while brandishing the same AK-47.

The family goes through a lot after they leave their home.

Once the family makes it safely to the United States as refugees, there are a mix of both challenging and some lighter moments, but there is no question that Kenan and his family are heroes.

As a reader, this book will stay with me on a emotional level. It was impossible to put down. I highly recommend it.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the author’s earlier book, the Bosnia List, I wanted to read this young adult story of how he and his family came to the United States. In the voice of a child, he tells the bewildering story of how his family home in Bosnia suddenly was no longer a safe place to live. After growing up and going to school and playing fudball (soccer) with his friends in Yugoslavia, suddenly his Serbian friends and neighbors turned on him and his family, and life as he knew it was redefined forever. Kenan and his brother and parents are Muslim, and the Serbs wanted them dead and gone. After hiding awhile in their own home without food, water or electricity, they were able to escape to Vienna where they found refuge in a basement with his uncle and his family. There they waited in limbo until they could get plane tickets and sponsors to move to the USA. From a child’s point of view, this adult war is even more poignant and confusing; how can your home be gone, your friends wish you dead, where do you fit in in the world? He learns there are good and bad people everywhere, and how to navigate a new life, over and over again, finding home and friendship again, and a place for his art and soccer, too.

[Heather Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

World in Between tells the account of a Bosnian family of four escaping the conflict during the breakup of Yugoslavia. Kenan is a boy, confused at how the religious conflicts have caused his close friends and teachers to turn against him. The family loses everything it possesses, but everyone survives. The book follows their escape outside the boundary of Bosnia and follows them through several moves eventually landing in Connecticut.

The author admits that the account is based on his recollections of his experiences from ages 11 to 13. The text serves as a springboard for discussions about Yugoslavia, bigotry, religious conflict, bullying and immigration. Despite knowing that the story has a positive outcome, the book itself proof, we readers care for Kenan and his family members on throughout their journey and cheering for his artistic and athletic victories.

This book is best suited for upper elementary and middle grades. At times early in the book, the dialogue felt a bit awkward, but that issue dissipated quickly. Thank you NetGalley and HMH/Clarion for this ARC in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

[Julie Overpeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Clarion Books for a digital advanced copy.

This memoir starts with 12-year-old Kenan and his family living in Yugoslavia. At first they notice that people are calling them and other Muslims names. Tensions rise and other Muslim families leave. Then his teacher, his TEACHER, points a gun at him and calls him a dirty Muslim. Eventually businesses close and they have no income. Their money in the bank is stolen, and they live on the kindness of strangers. When they finally manage to get out of the country, they stay with family and friends in Vienna. Finally a refugee group helps them secure visas to the US. The danger has passed, but they still have a long journey ahead, and they have to rely on the kindness of strangers to make it in their new country.

I think this is a good book to spark discussions about tolerance, immigration, and refugees. While the circumstances of refugee stories are hard and the events are sad, they are also full of hope: hope that tomorrow will be better, hope that someone will show kindness and offer help, hope for a future.

[Jodie Sadowsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my 12 year old son. We read the first few chapters in print then switched to audiobook for a road trip. Once we started, we could not stop! Both of us were riveted in Kenna’s story. So well told; from the details of normalcy in Kenan’s pre-war to the horrors of the Bosnian conflict and the terror of fleeing and resettling. Perfect for soccer and sports fans, for adolescents dealing with changes in their lives. Required reading for all teens and adults - a really beautiful insight into the refugee experience. Picking up The Bosnia List (adult memoir by the same author about returning to Bosnia as an adult) next because we are still thinking and rooting for Kenan and his family and want to see what happens next.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Clarion Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Given the current situation in Afghanistan, this book is very timely, This is the semi-autobiographical story of Kenan, a Muslim boy from Bosnia who is forced to leave his home due to the genocide of 1992-1995. Kenan encountered a lot of very bad people and discovered how easily many of his friends could turn against him when he needed them most. Kenan also met a lot of very kind people who went above and beyond to keep him and his family safe. This is a very inspiring story based on true events. It would be a great addition to any classroom or school library,

[Eileen Winfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good hard read about the author’s narrow escape from Bosnia in 1992 and his subsequent journeys with his immediate family as a refugee. He eventually settles in Connecticut (after some pretty harrowing experiences). Not a romantic portrayal in the least; very real and equal parts frustrating and inspiring. Also, I think it might be important for Americans to read a book about the genocide of Muslims at the hands of “Christians”. This happened so recently, it’s hard to believe.

[DaughterOfPoseidon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made my heart cry! 😭😭 it was so freakin sad!!! I absolutely loved how much detail it had, and, like, it’s a true story. So that is pretty amazing 🤩. I liked how Kenan would say something in his brain, but not say it out loud. Like how he thought his dad was wrong for staying in Bosnia. It felt like this was the true nature of a kid and I really enjoyed it. Definetly 5 stars.

[LS Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is autobiographical, it is brutally honest and some parts are hard to read. I wish it wasn’t true, but it is. Thank you Kenan for the truth that a middle grade person can understand. I hope it generates interest in this perhaps forgotten time period.

[Shifa Safadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I previously didn’t know much about the Bosnian War that happened between 1992-95, but the ethnic cleansing and genocide that happened to Muslims by the Serb-controlled Yogoslavian army is a must to learn about, to educate ourselves and our kids of, to speak out against, and to prevent such an atrocity from happening again. Books like this one are an absolute necessary read.

Genre: Upper MG
Ages: 12-15

Screening: crushes/dating mentioned tho no details given, music, a few cusswords, stealing, gun violence, bombs, murder mentioned but not described, rape alluded to, Halloween/Christmas/birthday celebrations. He is mad at God at some point.

Based on a true story, this novel details the refugee story of Kenan. How he lived happily side by side with his Catholic and Serbian neighbors, with his favorite Soccer coach Mr.Mira- and how suddenly everything changed. The hatred that was suddenly faced towards him was purely for one reason: he was Muslim. Kenan and his family struggle to survive the atrocities, and the humiliation, and one day, they flee to Austria. And from Austria, they are resettled into the US. All Kenan wants is to go back in time to happy days, and struggles to find a place in his new home and trust those around him.

Islam is mentioned a lot, as the reason the Serbs give for the genocide of Bosnians. Kenan and his family aren’t really practicing, as they don’t pray or go to the Mosque regularly, although they don’t drink or eat pork, and his religion is part of his identity. One of the main events he witnesses is when the Serbian army bombs the Mosque in his home village. And even when he moves to the US and a Reverend hosts his family and they join them at Church on Christmas, he is sure to emphasize that his family are Muslim and it is not their religion or holiday, they are joining their hosts as a sign of respect.

Truly, the book is so heart wrenching and educational, and is an authentically written book that teaches the reader a lot about the genocide that happens in Bosnia.

And through it all, Kenan is wonderfully intelligent and kind and finds good in everyone- people of all cultures and religions.

A must read for sure.

[Maeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kenan Trebincevic lives an idyllic life in Bosnia with his family...but it all starts to change when the Bosnian War starts. Kenan and his family are Muslims, and are targeted by their neighbors and former friends. The Trebincevic family flees the country and eventually makes it to the United States.

A moving tale based on Kenan's experiences. This is a great story that children can read to learn about immigration and the obstacles that immigrants face. For middle grade readers.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only picked this up because my 10 year old niece selected it for our “book club” - she was also reading it in her 5th grade class. I’m almost embarrassed to say how much I learned about the Bosnian War that I was ignorant to before. The refugee themes not only make you think about what was happening then, but also what’s happening in the world today. I recommend for kids and adults alike!

[Anesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

i can't really be too objective with this one. it hits home way too hard. but i couldn't be gladder seeing bosnian-american authors finally recounting their real stories

[Lily Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a really well-written story and acknowledging that it is a true story makes the values depicted throughout the chapters even more impactful and meaningful. The main character, Kenan, and his family were faced with several life-threatening and unpleasant situations when attempting to emigrate to the United States. I think this would be a great chapter book to introduce into the classroom for slightly older students. I wouldn't recommend this be read to younger children because it brings up topics such as violence, torture, death, bullying, shooting, war, and a few more red flags that would not be appropriate for children in most likely all of elementary school. However, I did really enjoy reading this book and would recommend for middle school and up.

[Serwa65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend a “World in Between,” which pulls you right into the lives of one Muslim family during the Bosnian War through the eyes of an 11-year-old. We follow Kenan from ages 11-13 as he tries to make sense of the senseless in having to flee his country, friends, and family to stay alive. The book shares not only an important historical lesson of a war not that long ago (1992-1995) but how kindness can show up in unexpected ways. If it isn’t a required reading in school, be sure to add to your child’s reading list.

[Galiah Morgenstern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond incredibly moving

This story grabbed my heart and did not let go til the very end. It was chilling to read about the atrocities in Bosnia; how so many friends and acquaintances turned on Kenan and his family. It was refreshing and encouraging to read of the kind people who helped and were there for them in many ways. But most of all, I loved reading of how Kenan persevered and triumphed.

[Marion Ruybalid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for my 12 year old son. HE LOVED IT. it is a great addition to diverse reads were a kid can relate to the main character. My son listed all the ways he felt like the main character like how he loved to play soccer. He also felt grateful for his life after reading the challenges in this book. There are lots of books for girls like this one, but less for boys. This is a great story.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

#WorldInBetween by #KenanTrebinčević is page-turner, easy to read and unputdownable. It is a wonderful story about how one should survive when being bullied until everybody came together to support the family with love, hope and kindness. A powerful book! Must read! (Reviewed by my tween daughter)

[Julia Kipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written book. It’s the true story of a young boy who lived through war, displacement, mistreatment, and many hardships until his family eventually emigrated to the US. It’s a very heart felt telling in the voice of a young boy who yearns for peace and a normal life where he has friends and can play sports. It has a hopeful ending.

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the detail in this story. I feel like other refugee stories only tell a portion of their story. Either just immigration or just the refugee camps, etc. In this story, the writer takes you along and shares his experiences and thoughts to pull the reader in and make them understand and feel how substantial and hard the process is.

[Ms. Nigeria Nigeria Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg. This book was beautiful. I cried, I laughed and I cried some more. I can't imagine going through the trials and tribulations this family went through. Then to not be able to go back home.

[Linda]

Amazing!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginning in March 1992, this middle-grade novel traces the experiences of fifth grader Kenan Trebincevic (the author) and his family as their homeland is torn apart by war. Suddenly, as tensions rise in his once-friendly neighborhood of Brcko, Bosnia, Kenan's carefree days of playing soccer, hanging out with his friends, and trying to impress his teachers, come to an end. Neighbors turn against neighbors, and the young Muslim boy's family isn't sure who they can trust. As slurs turn into more explosive forms of violence, including bombs exploding and street fighting, Kenan's family is no longer safe in venturing outside their house. In fact, they face danger even on a trip to the well for water or to a store for food. They are essentially trapped inside for months before making a daring bus trip out of the country across the Serbian-Hungarian border and into Austria. On page 150, Kenan even remarks that he is unaccustomed to electricity, with his eyes not having been exposed to electric light for ten months. They stay with family members and generous community members for a while, but life isn't easy. From there, the family eventually moves to Connecticut where several kind-hearted Christians try to make them feel welcome. In the United States, Kenan realizes that there are many individuals who are ready to help his family but others who take advantage of them. For him, though, soccer remains a passion and a way to make friends. This detailed, personal perspective on the war in Bosnia will open eyes and hearts, perhaps prompting readers to pay a little more attention to world events rather than focusing only on domestic issues. Perhaps, too, it will evoke empathy for individuals like Kenan and his family whose lives were turned upside down by events far beyond their control. Clearly, Kenan's family would have been perfectly content to remain in Bosnia had the war not made that impossible. The toll all this took on his parents is described in vivid detail as well. Add this one to a collection of war novels or immigration/refugees stories.

[Revellee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book to read to my kids, 10 and 8, to introduce them to the realities of war and our "broken world," as my son puts it, in a way that they can understand. This is written from the perspective of an 11 year old Bosnian boy at the breakout of the Yugoslav Wars in early 90s until two years later when his family safely resettles in the U.S.
We follow him as he faces awful persecution from his Serbian friends, teachers, and neighbors, hides with his family in their apartment without water or electricity, their escape attempts, the final successful escape to Austria, the realities of being a refugee in a country that doesn't want them to stay, and then finally, his move to the U.S and how he adapts to living in Connecticut. This is all the author's real experiences.

It took us a while to read together because it brought up a lot of questions and discussions with the kids. Discussions not just about what Kenan was going through in this book, but about war in general, about my own role as a U.S. service member serving during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars after 9/11, about terrorism, about the current atrocities in Palestine. Of course, I would love to be able to keep my children ignorant of all the horrors of this world but I do think it is important for them to understand and empathize with others and for them to realize how lucky and fortunate they are to have the life that they have. It's hard to teach gratitude to American Gen A when all they know are suburban upper-middle class neighborhoods. This is a great introductory book to real modern history for middle-grade age.