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Muzoon: A Syrian Refugee Speaks Out
"Muzoon takes readers on her perilous and ultimately hopeful journey from refugee child to advocate for others in need."
—Malala Yousafzai, bestselling author and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
When her family had to flee Syria, 14-year-old Muzoon was told to pack only the most essential things—and so she packed her schoolbooks.
This is the inspiring true story of a Syrian refugee who fought hard for what she needed—and grew into one of the world's leading advocates for education.
This eye-opening memoir tells the story of a young girl's life in Syria, her family's wrenching decision to leave their home, and the upheaval of life in a refugee camp. Though her life had utterly changed, one thing remained the same. She knew that education was the key to a better future—for herself, and so that she could help her country. She went from tent to tent in the camp, trying to convince other kids, especially girls, to come to school. And her passion and dedication soon had people calling her the "Malala of Syria."
Muzoon has grown into an internationally recognized advocate for refugees, for education, and for the rights of girls and women, and is now a UNICEF goodwill ambassador—the first refugee to play that role.
Muzoon's story is absolutely riveting and will inspire young readers to use their own voices and stand up for what they believe in.
—Malala Yousafzai, bestselling author and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
When her family had to flee Syria, 14-year-old Muzoon was told to pack only the most essential things—and so she packed her schoolbooks.
This is the inspiring true story of a Syrian refugee who fought hard for what she needed—and grew into one of the world's leading advocates for education.
This eye-opening memoir tells the story of a young girl's life in Syria, her family's wrenching decision to leave their home, and the upheaval of life in a refugee camp. Though her life had utterly changed, one thing remained the same. She knew that education was the key to a better future—for herself, and so that she could help her country. She went from tent to tent in the camp, trying to convince other kids, especially girls, to come to school. And her passion and dedication soon had people calling her the "Malala of Syria."
Muzoon has grown into an internationally recognized advocate for refugees, for education, and for the rights of girls and women, and is now a UNICEF goodwill ambassador—the first refugee to play that role.
Muzoon's story is absolutely riveting and will inspire young readers to use their own voices and stand up for what they believe in.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2023
6 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 12, 2024
Middle school appropriate. I liked that the memoir covers her life before the conflict, her understanding of it as it happened, her life in the refugee camp, and her life after. It covers all the periods of her life so far that we could have wanted to know about. Her drive and dedication are inspirational.
August 31, 2023
Amazing. These are the true role models for the next generation.
October 7, 2024
Ondanks dat het boek qua schrijfstijl niet op de eerste plaats zou eindigen, vond ik dit een toegankelijk en inspirerend verhaal die de oorlog in Syrië (en buurlanden) laat zien door de ogen van een jonge tiener. Daarnaast vind ik het doorzettingsvermogen van Muzoon in haar persoonlijke strijd voor kwalitatief onderwijs voor (jonge) vrouwen bewonderenswaardig.
June 28, 2023
This is a story unlike any other. This is the tale of a Syrian refugee turned United Nations Ambassador for Goodwill. This is the story of a girl who carved her own path in life. Most of all, this is a story of perseverance. After all, change doesn’t come when you do nothing, change happens when you’re determined, or some might say stubborn, when you stand up against all odds, against all beliefs, for the greater good. This is the story of Muzoon, a hero for so many, a true changemaker.
Muzoon’s story begins not when she first started fighting for her life, rather before all the conflicts. Muzoon was always taught that whether you were a boy or a girl or any gender, education comes before marriage and anything else. This lesson would stay with Muzoon for the rest of her life and now, it sparked her kindness journey too. Muzoon wasn’t the smartest kid in class all the time, but as I mentioned before, she was determined. You could find her practicing verses of poems for hours at a time, though it wasn’t until disaster struck where she found herself truly understanding the words, not just memorizing.
It was almost like a chain reaction, dominos falling. It was called the Arab Spring. Communities, entire countries, began to fight back against their ruthless leaders. They weren’t afraid, they wanted freedom, and many countries reached their goal, but for other countries, like Muzoon’s Syria, it wasn’t so easy. The protests began far away from Muzoon’s home, but they spread like wildfire, and speaking of fire, many protestors faced open fire from the government’s army. The revolution began, and even today, Syria still isn’t free.
When the fighting grew worse, Muzoon’s family was forced to leave, but they left broken, as some had to stay back, as they were too old for the journey that lied ahead. They left only thinking they’d stay at a refugee camp for ten days at most, but no good news came from home, in fact, life grew worse. Days turned into weeks, which turned into months, even years. Though, Muzoon may have lost Syria, but she never lost her spirit. She began to notice her friends being sent off to get married, instead of maintaining an education. Muzoon wanted to do something, so she went door to door persuading families, and sometimes not, that education is important for young women.
This mission changed Muzoon’s life and inspired the lives of other young women and girls, as well as kids of all genders. She is a true hero, who defied all odds to do the right thing, to change minds and beliefs.
Muzoon’s story begins not when she first started fighting for her life, rather before all the conflicts. Muzoon was always taught that whether you were a boy or a girl or any gender, education comes before marriage and anything else. This lesson would stay with Muzoon for the rest of her life and now, it sparked her kindness journey too. Muzoon wasn’t the smartest kid in class all the time, but as I mentioned before, she was determined. You could find her practicing verses of poems for hours at a time, though it wasn’t until disaster struck where she found herself truly understanding the words, not just memorizing.
It was almost like a chain reaction, dominos falling. It was called the Arab Spring. Communities, entire countries, began to fight back against their ruthless leaders. They weren’t afraid, they wanted freedom, and many countries reached their goal, but for other countries, like Muzoon’s Syria, it wasn’t so easy. The protests began far away from Muzoon’s home, but they spread like wildfire, and speaking of fire, many protestors faced open fire from the government’s army. The revolution began, and even today, Syria still isn’t free.
When the fighting grew worse, Muzoon’s family was forced to leave, but they left broken, as some had to stay back, as they were too old for the journey that lied ahead. They left only thinking they’d stay at a refugee camp for ten days at most, but no good news came from home, in fact, life grew worse. Days turned into weeks, which turned into months, even years. Though, Muzoon may have lost Syria, but she never lost her spirit. She began to notice her friends being sent off to get married, instead of maintaining an education. Muzoon wanted to do something, so she went door to door persuading families, and sometimes not, that education is important for young women.
This mission changed Muzoon’s life and inspired the lives of other young women and girls, as well as kids of all genders. She is a true hero, who defied all odds to do the right thing, to change minds and beliefs.
May 29, 2023
Muzoon's story proves that anyone can make a difference if they care enough.
Muzoon was a typical high schooler, surrounded by a loving and supportive family, when her life was turned upside down after her father made the hard decision to leave war-torn Syria and settle in a refugee camp in Jordan. The day before they left, her father told her and her siblings to take only their most precious belongings; Muzoon took her school books.
Muzoon was lucky among her Muslim girlfriends because her family believed in education; in fact, her father was a teacher. She knew that a college degree would be her ticket to independence and so she fought hard to stay in school--even in the refugee camp. When she noticed that other girls her age left school to seek marriage, Muzoon became an advocate for female education, encouraging her peers to continue their studies.
Her relentless advocacy caught the attention of news organizations that visited the camp to report on Syrian refugee conditions. This, then, prompted Muzoon to double down on her English language skills. Eventually she was recognized by other young social rights activists and UNICEF. When she and her family were given the chance to relocate to the UK, they moved. There, Muzoon once again had to fight for the right to study the "serious" subjects that would allow her a place at university.
As a result of her hard work, college education, and stubborn refusal to take no for an answer, Muzoon became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, traveling and speaking around the world.
The lessons: Stand up for yourself. Encourage others to better themselves. Recognize that you too could become a refugee with little warning or preparation (see: Ukraine). Refugees are people who want to have a meaningful life and want to contribute to society; they've left everything behind and need a leg up. Grasp all your opportunities. Don't let the fundamentalists of whatever religion you follow to suppress you as a person and especially as a woman. Everyone, even a teenage refugee acting alone, can make a difference in the world.
This book is marketed to a middle grade audience, but Muzoon's story is a must read for everyone of every age and belief. If you read only one nonfiction book this year, make it this one.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
Muzoon was a typical high schooler, surrounded by a loving and supportive family, when her life was turned upside down after her father made the hard decision to leave war-torn Syria and settle in a refugee camp in Jordan. The day before they left, her father told her and her siblings to take only their most precious belongings; Muzoon took her school books.
Muzoon was lucky among her Muslim girlfriends because her family believed in education; in fact, her father was a teacher. She knew that a college degree would be her ticket to independence and so she fought hard to stay in school--even in the refugee camp. When she noticed that other girls her age left school to seek marriage, Muzoon became an advocate for female education, encouraging her peers to continue their studies.
Her relentless advocacy caught the attention of news organizations that visited the camp to report on Syrian refugee conditions. This, then, prompted Muzoon to double down on her English language skills. Eventually she was recognized by other young social rights activists and UNICEF. When she and her family were given the chance to relocate to the UK, they moved. There, Muzoon once again had to fight for the right to study the "serious" subjects that would allow her a place at university.
As a result of her hard work, college education, and stubborn refusal to take no for an answer, Muzoon became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, traveling and speaking around the world.
The lessons: Stand up for yourself. Encourage others to better themselves. Recognize that you too could become a refugee with little warning or preparation (see: Ukraine). Refugees are people who want to have a meaningful life and want to contribute to society; they've left everything behind and need a leg up. Grasp all your opportunities. Don't let the fundamentalists of whatever religion you follow to suppress you as a person and especially as a woman. Everyone, even a teenage refugee acting alone, can make a difference in the world.
This book is marketed to a middle grade audience, but Muzoon's story is a must read for everyone of every age and belief. If you read only one nonfiction book this year, make it this one.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
December 1, 2023
Muzoon is an education advocate for refugees. She has the experience as a Syrian refugee that gives her a lot of credibility. This book is an account of her life from the time before the Syrian War to her time entering a university in the UK. In between, she and her family live in their homes as war escalates. They have hard conversations about fleeing. Then they move from one refugee camp to another. Notably, Muzoon takes only 9 textbooks with her when she packs the essentials from her home.
She ends up working in refugee camps as an advocate for refugee education, working to encourage the children in the camp to do schooling as refugees, to not give up hope. She particularly advocates for young Syrian girls to continue their education and to not assume that they will be limited only to housework and child raising (important tasks, but sometimes fate robs women of their wage-earning spouses and sometimes women have great gifts to offer society through their vocations).
Muzoon is often called the Syrian Malala. They have met before and offer each other support in their overlapping missions. Muzoon was even invited by Malala to the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony by Malala (which was not an easy task to accomplish, given that Muzoon had no official paperwork as a refugee).
I took the opportunity to watch a handful of videos about the history of Syria, about the war (and the many countries and groups maintaining a stake in the war), about the refugee crisis, and about Muzoon herself. Yes, right now the world is focused on Palestinian refugees, but Muzoon can narrate some of the concerns that are universal for refugee children who can benefit from an educaiton while they are seeking permanent residence.
She ends up working in refugee camps as an advocate for refugee education, working to encourage the children in the camp to do schooling as refugees, to not give up hope. She particularly advocates for young Syrian girls to continue their education and to not assume that they will be limited only to housework and child raising (important tasks, but sometimes fate robs women of their wage-earning spouses and sometimes women have great gifts to offer society through their vocations).
Muzoon is often called the Syrian Malala. They have met before and offer each other support in their overlapping missions. Muzoon was even invited by Malala to the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony by Malala (which was not an easy task to accomplish, given that Muzoon had no official paperwork as a refugee).
I took the opportunity to watch a handful of videos about the history of Syria, about the war (and the many countries and groups maintaining a stake in the war), about the refugee crisis, and about Muzoon herself. Yes, right now the world is focused on Palestinian refugees, but Muzoon can narrate some of the concerns that are universal for refugee children who can benefit from an educaiton while they are seeking permanent residence.
April 20, 2024
A memoir for the middle school reader of Syrian refugee and education advocate Muzoon Almellehan that gives a unique perspective on the lives of Syrian refugees. Muzoon paints a picture of life in Syria before the Arab spring uprisings and the escalations that caused her and her family to flee Syria to refugee camps and eventually resettlement in England. Muzoons unique desire to promote education for Syrian's, especially girls, have brought attention to her cause and led to her advocacy work with UNICEF and other organizations. Muzoon's story puts a face on the Syrian Refugee crisis and the decisions made by her friends and family when and where to leave their lives behind and seek refuge outside of Syria, sometimes returning, not knowing what happened to those left behind or who went to other places show the variety of experiences within this refugee population often seen as a single faceless group. I would rate this book 3.5 stars if Goodreads allowed half stars.
July 11, 2023
Juvenile Memoir. Muzoon, writes about her life growing up in Syria, escaping to Jordan when war breaks out, living in refugee camps in Jordan, and eventually settling in Newcastle, England. She covers her life from about 11 to 19 years old. She uses the goal of an education as a means to provide stability and hope for a better life. Very well written and interesting. I enjoy learning about other cultures and life in foreign countries. Reading about Muzoon’s challenges, makes me appreciate my life in the US. Recommend for 6th grade and up. If you have read I am Mahala, you will enjoy this book too.
March 11, 2024
Muzoon grew up in Syria: playing soccer with her siblings and cousins, cooking with her aunt, and watching cartoons. But then war came to her country, much too close for comfort and her family was forced to flee. They left some of her beloved family behind, including her aunt and grandmother. They ended up in refugee camps which were crowded and disorganized. There was little to do and a lack of educational opportunities. Muzoon became an advocate for education for herself and others, even meeting and working with Malala.
One of my students read it and said it was the best representation of her faith and culture of any of the books we have in this library.
One of my students read it and said it was the best representation of her faith and culture of any of the books we have in this library.
May 1, 2024
This audiobook for young listeners follows Muzoon's life in Syria and then as a migrant fleeing the Syrian war. Muzoon never gives up on her educational goals, even in the refugee camps. She always encouraged young refugees to keep learning, especially the girls who often married young and quit school.
She is sometimes called the Malala of Syria and, in fact, became friends with Malala who visited her in the camp. Muzoon accompanied Malala to Sweden when she received the Nobel Peace Prize.
I still have not read I Am Malala but will do so, soon.
Highly recommended!
She is sometimes called the Malala of Syria and, in fact, became friends with Malala who visited her in the camp. Muzoon accompanied Malala to Sweden when she received the Nobel Peace Prize.
I still have not read I Am Malala but will do so, soon.
Highly recommended!
October 29, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I wouldn't say the writing was especially accomplished BUT the story was valuable, interesting and engaging and most of all it was important to learn about.
The book was short and easy to get through, and I learned a lot I didn't know about the plight of Syrian refugees and also some basic history on what caused the war in Syria. I appreciate Muzoon's sacrifice in time and privacy to share her story with the world.
The book was short and easy to get through, and I learned a lot I didn't know about the plight of Syrian refugees and also some basic history on what caused the war in Syria. I appreciate Muzoon's sacrifice in time and privacy to share her story with the world.
December 23, 2023
Muzoon Almellehan was 14 years old when she became a refugee, leaving behind everything in her homeland of Syria. Though war-torn and no longer resembling the home she once knew, she felt scared to leave it and enter the unknown. We get to follow her brave journey through refugee camps, and her fight for her human right to an education--something fought relentlessly by extremist groups who are against women having that right. Muzoon will not be silenced, and she will not be stopped!
February 10, 2024
I haven't read any books about Syria and it's recent civil war which covers this angle... life inside refugee camps. Muzoon, sometimes referred to as the Malala of Syria, makes it her purpose to help other children in the camp get back to school. She is especially insistent that girls go to school even in the camp because someday they will be able to go home and they will all need to apply their brains to make sure such a horror never happens again.
March 16, 2024
Memoir told by education advocate and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Muzzon Almellehan. As a teen Muzoon and her family fled the violence in Syria and spent several years in refugee camps in Jordan. When they had a chance to relocate, they moved to Newcastle, England. During every step of her journey, Muzoon has continued to advocate for education – especially for refugees.
March 21, 2024
This is an inspiring and eye-opening memoir about a young girl's life in Syria and later, in a refugee camp. I don't think many students know about Syria or Muzoon, so I believe it could be a valuable addition to any library. “People shouldn’t just learn about us,” Muzoon says. “They should learn from us.”
December 24, 2025
Het boek heeft geen lekkere schrijfstijl. Nogal opsommend is alles geschreven. Toch een mooi en informatief boek over de activiste Muzoon die haar leven in Syrie en hun vlucht beschrijft in tijden van oorlog. Waardering voor haar is wel tien sterren, schrijfstijl (misschien door de vertaling) zijn er vier.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 24, 2024
An inspiring, uplifting story about a young teen fleeing her homeland and later becoming an education activist. Also known as the Malala of Syria, this girl's story is sure to embolden girls today and encourage them to reach for their dreams.
October 15, 2025
this story changed my life as a Syrian who had to flee because of the year I never saw or heard anyone with the same story as me and now I'm also so determined to finish school and get into what I love the most
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2023
One of the strongest and most determined person you will ever meet. Inspiring.
December 31, 2023
Beautiful story. A girl advocating for her education against all odds.
October 2, 2024
Its a rally good book IT'S JUST REALLY GOOD
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2025
A quick read.
Inspirational. Maybe more suited for middle school level, but still great for a perspective on the war in Syria and the lives of refugees.
I hope she gets to go back home someday.
Inspirational. Maybe more suited for middle school level, but still great for a perspective on the war in Syria and the lives of refugees.
I hope she gets to go back home someday.
February 21, 2025
a good book, only reason it’s a 3 star because it’s more suited for a younger audience
September 24, 2025
Very romanticized.
She explains how to become a Muslim.
Very sanitized, rose colored glasses.
She explains how to become a Muslim.
Very sanitized, rose colored glasses.
May 1, 2023
This autobiography is very thought provoking! It is a look into a different culture, it is a reveal of hardships faced by displaced people, and it is an example that determination or a goal can make all the difference in one's life. I really feel this book is something everyone can take heart in. Muzoon is an inspiration not just for what she does but for what she encourages all to do.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
February 21, 2024
Bij het lezen van de flaptekst werd ik gelijk nieuwsgierig en enthousiast over dit veelbelovende boek. Dit boek lijkt me prachtig, meeslepend, intrigerend en een erg inspirerend verhaal. Ik ken Muzoon Almellehan niet, maar ik ben erg nieuwsgierig naar het heftige verhaal dat ze heeft meegemaakt en hoe dat Muzoon Almellehan ondanks alles de veerkracht vond om door te gaan voor wat ze belangrijk vindt.
Muzoon Almellehan is veertien jaar, wanneer de onrust in haar land, Syrië, zo groot wordt, dat haar vader besluit dat het tijd is om te vluchten. Haar vader draagt het hele gezin enkel hun belangrijkste spullen in te pakken. Muzoon besluit haar schoolboeken in te pakken. Ze vertelt hoe ze opgroeit als vluchteling in verschillende vluchtelingenkampen. Muzoon hield ondanks alles één groot doel voor ogen: haar kans op onderwijs. Haar kans om verschil in de wereld te kunnen maken. Hierbij vocht Muzoon niet enkel voor zichzelf maar zette ze zich ook in om andere kinderen en met name meisjes te stimuleren naar school te gaan en hun diploma te halen. In haar verhaal laat Muzoon zien hoe een vastberaden meisje de wereld kan redden.
Wat ik niet had verwacht, maar enorm kan waarderen en bewonder is dat Muzoon Almellehan een hele vlotte, krachtige en optimistische manier van schrijven heeft. Ondanks haar heftige, meeslepende en aangrijpende verhaal blijft haar veerkracht, optimisme en positiviteit in alles doorstralen. Het verhaal leest gemakkelijk en vlot weg en daarbij zit er een lekker tempo in de verhaallijn.
Muzoon vertelt haar eigen persoonlijke verhaal vanaf haar jeugdjaren voordat de onrust en revolutie in Syrië uitbreekt, het vluchten naar verschillende vluchtelingenkampen en tot slot hun kans op een nieuw bestaan in Groot Brittannië en die tijd daar. Hiermee overbrugt Muzoon Almellehan een grote periode van haar leven, waar ze openhartig verslag doet over de verschillende gebeurtenissen in haar leven.
Het verhaal is opgedeeld in acht delen die verder zijn onderverdeeld in hoofdstukken die verschillende plaatsen en tijdsperiode van haar leven bedragen. Ondanks dat Muzoon Almellehan uitvoerig verslag doet over de aanvallen, het geweld en alle andere heftige aangrijpende dingen die ze meemaakt, weet ze haar verhaal met zoveel veerkracht te vertellen dat het verhaal niet zwaar wordt. Ik heb al direct enorme bewondering voor de zelfredzame, intelligente en krachtige vrouw die Muzoon al vanaf het begin af aan is, maar ze evolueert door de jaren heen zo krachtig en ook haar standvastigheid om te vechten voor onderwijs, niet enkel voor zichzelf maar ook voor anderen is bewonderingswaardig.
Net als ik is een meeslepende, prachtige en heftige young adult. Ondanks dat het een heftig en aangrijpend verhaal is, weet Muzoon Almellehan haar verhaal luchtig en enorm krachtig en vol optimisme te brengen. Ik heb gedurende het verhaal enorme bewondering gekregen voor Muzoon Almellehan. Wat een kracht moet je als mens hebben om dat te doorstaan en zo te blijven vechten voor wat jij belangrijk en noodzakelijk vindt. Dit verhaal is echt een aanrader om te gaan lezen!
Muzoon Almellehan is veertien jaar, wanneer de onrust in haar land, Syrië, zo groot wordt, dat haar vader besluit dat het tijd is om te vluchten. Haar vader draagt het hele gezin enkel hun belangrijkste spullen in te pakken. Muzoon besluit haar schoolboeken in te pakken. Ze vertelt hoe ze opgroeit als vluchteling in verschillende vluchtelingenkampen. Muzoon hield ondanks alles één groot doel voor ogen: haar kans op onderwijs. Haar kans om verschil in de wereld te kunnen maken. Hierbij vocht Muzoon niet enkel voor zichzelf maar zette ze zich ook in om andere kinderen en met name meisjes te stimuleren naar school te gaan en hun diploma te halen. In haar verhaal laat Muzoon zien hoe een vastberaden meisje de wereld kan redden.
Wat ik niet had verwacht, maar enorm kan waarderen en bewonder is dat Muzoon Almellehan een hele vlotte, krachtige en optimistische manier van schrijven heeft. Ondanks haar heftige, meeslepende en aangrijpende verhaal blijft haar veerkracht, optimisme en positiviteit in alles doorstralen. Het verhaal leest gemakkelijk en vlot weg en daarbij zit er een lekker tempo in de verhaallijn.
Muzoon vertelt haar eigen persoonlijke verhaal vanaf haar jeugdjaren voordat de onrust en revolutie in Syrië uitbreekt, het vluchten naar verschillende vluchtelingenkampen en tot slot hun kans op een nieuw bestaan in Groot Brittannië en die tijd daar. Hiermee overbrugt Muzoon Almellehan een grote periode van haar leven, waar ze openhartig verslag doet over de verschillende gebeurtenissen in haar leven.
Het verhaal is opgedeeld in acht delen die verder zijn onderverdeeld in hoofdstukken die verschillende plaatsen en tijdsperiode van haar leven bedragen. Ondanks dat Muzoon Almellehan uitvoerig verslag doet over de aanvallen, het geweld en alle andere heftige aangrijpende dingen die ze meemaakt, weet ze haar verhaal met zoveel veerkracht te vertellen dat het verhaal niet zwaar wordt. Ik heb al direct enorme bewondering voor de zelfredzame, intelligente en krachtige vrouw die Muzoon al vanaf het begin af aan is, maar ze evolueert door de jaren heen zo krachtig en ook haar standvastigheid om te vechten voor onderwijs, niet enkel voor zichzelf maar ook voor anderen is bewonderingswaardig.
Net als ik is een meeslepende, prachtige en heftige young adult. Ondanks dat het een heftig en aangrijpend verhaal is, weet Muzoon Almellehan haar verhaal luchtig en enorm krachtig en vol optimisme te brengen. Ik heb gedurende het verhaal enorme bewondering gekregen voor Muzoon Almellehan. Wat een kracht moet je als mens hebben om dat te doorstaan en zo te blijven vechten voor wat jij belangrijk en noodzakelijk vindt. Dit verhaal is echt een aanrader om te gaan lezen!
April 25, 2024
Muzoon: A Syrian Refugee Speaks Out
By Muzoon Almellehan & Wendy Pearlman
Muzoon Almellehan is a true inspiration! Her passion for education shines through even during the darkest of times!
This memoir follows Muzoon’s life beginning with life before the Syrian Civil War, just as the Arab Spring Uprising was taking place around 2011. Muzoon saw protests on TV and really started paying attention to what was going on around the world. She never imagined the movement would spread to Syria and especially not so close to her home.
As the fighting got worse over time, Muzoon’s dad made the decision to move the family to a refugee camp in Jordan. She wasn’t sure what to expect and so she brought her school books with her. As it turns out, life in the camp was hard and at times chaotic. The tents had no floors and often had rodents in them. The food provided was basic grains and bland. Muzoon had to take over many chores as her mother was not in the picture at this point.
What often kept Muzoon going was her desire for an education as she believed that was the only way to a better future. Unfortunately many kids in the camp, especially girls, did not share her belief. Most girls just wanted to get married and no longer be a burden on their families. This saddened Muzoon so much that she started going around the camp to encourage girls and boys to go to school. Eventually she teamed up with Unicef and even got to meet Malala! When the family moved to another camp, Muzoon kept pushing for kids to get an education. Even today she is a champion for education.
Muzoon really is an inspiration, especially for young girls! I highly recommend this book! Not only did it show one girl's quest for education, but it also shed light on what life is like for many refugees. With everything happening in the world, I feel this is a very important memoir to read.
By Muzoon Almellehan & Wendy Pearlman
Muzoon Almellehan is a true inspiration! Her passion for education shines through even during the darkest of times!
This memoir follows Muzoon’s life beginning with life before the Syrian Civil War, just as the Arab Spring Uprising was taking place around 2011. Muzoon saw protests on TV and really started paying attention to what was going on around the world. She never imagined the movement would spread to Syria and especially not so close to her home.
As the fighting got worse over time, Muzoon’s dad made the decision to move the family to a refugee camp in Jordan. She wasn’t sure what to expect and so she brought her school books with her. As it turns out, life in the camp was hard and at times chaotic. The tents had no floors and often had rodents in them. The food provided was basic grains and bland. Muzoon had to take over many chores as her mother was not in the picture at this point.
What often kept Muzoon going was her desire for an education as she believed that was the only way to a better future. Unfortunately many kids in the camp, especially girls, did not share her belief. Most girls just wanted to get married and no longer be a burden on their families. This saddened Muzoon so much that she started going around the camp to encourage girls and boys to go to school. Eventually she teamed up with Unicef and even got to meet Malala! When the family moved to another camp, Muzoon kept pushing for kids to get an education. Even today she is a champion for education.
Muzoon really is an inspiration, especially for young girls! I highly recommend this book! Not only did it show one girl's quest for education, but it also shed light on what life is like for many refugees. With everything happening in the world, I feel this is a very important memoir to read.
December 24, 2025
Een inkijk in het leven van Syrische vluchtelingen. Het geeft een goed beeld van wat ze meemaken.
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