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Wild Poppies
Two brothers fight to reunite amidst the turmoil of the Syrian War.
Since the passing of their father, Omar has tried-and in his little brother Sufyan's eyes, failed-to be the man of his family of Syrian refugees. As Omar waits in line for rations, longing for the books he left behind when his family fled their home, Sufyan explores more nontraditional methods to provide for his family. Ignoring his brother's warnings, Sufyan gets more and more involved with a group that provides him with big rewards for doing seemingly inconsequentialtasks.
When the group abruptly gets more intense-taking Sufyan and other boys away from their families, teaching them how to shoot guns-Sufyan realizes his brother is right. But is it too late for Sufyan to get out of this?
It's left to the bookish Omar to rescue his brother and reunite his family. He will have to take charge and be brave in ways he has never dared to before.
Since the passing of their father, Omar has tried-and in his little brother Sufyan's eyes, failed-to be the man of his family of Syrian refugees. As Omar waits in line for rations, longing for the books he left behind when his family fled their home, Sufyan explores more nontraditional methods to provide for his family. Ignoring his brother's warnings, Sufyan gets more and more involved with a group that provides him with big rewards for doing seemingly inconsequentialtasks.
When the group abruptly gets more intense-taking Sufyan and other boys away from their families, teaching them how to shoot guns-Sufyan realizes his brother is right. But is it too late for Sufyan to get out of this?
It's left to the bookish Omar to rescue his brother and reunite his family. He will have to take charge and be brave in ways he has never dared to before.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published May 23, 2023
17 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 20, 2023
Format: audiobook ~ Narrator: Amin El Gamal
Content: 4 stars ~ Narration: 4.5 stars
Complete audiobook review
Wild Poppies is a story of two brothers, Omar and Sufyan, in the middle of the Syrian War. They are forced to flee their home because of the bombings. After their father's death, the two boys are left without a male role model. Because Omar is patient and is never radical or aggressive, Sufyan thinks his older brother is a coward. Omar longs for the books he left behind, while Sufyan gets involved with a group that offers him a job that pays well.
Wild Poppies is a middle-grade novel with a powerful story and message. Recommended for kids over 10 interested in reading about kids in some other part of the world and can handle heavier themes (like war and death of a parent). Because of these heavier themes, it might be more suitable for young adults. But also some adult readers will like this novel.
The narration was very good, and the pronunciation made it sound authentic.
Thanks to Recorded Books for the ALC and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
Content: 4 stars ~ Narration: 4.5 stars
Complete audiobook review
Wild Poppies is a story of two brothers, Omar and Sufyan, in the middle of the Syrian War. They are forced to flee their home because of the bombings. After their father's death, the two boys are left without a male role model. Because Omar is patient and is never radical or aggressive, Sufyan thinks his older brother is a coward. Omar longs for the books he left behind, while Sufyan gets involved with a group that offers him a job that pays well.
Wild Poppies is a middle-grade novel with a powerful story and message. Recommended for kids over 10 interested in reading about kids in some other part of the world and can handle heavier themes (like war and death of a parent). Because of these heavier themes, it might be more suitable for young adults. But also some adult readers will like this novel.
The narration was very good, and the pronunciation made it sound authentic.
Thanks to Recorded Books for the ALC and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
May 25, 2023
Wild Poppies is a heartbreaking story of war, family, turmoil, and growing up too soon. It's a middle grade novel, but can be appreciated by older readers as well. It never felt juvenile. Instead, it was insightful, emotional, and taught me a lot about the Syrian experience as it pertains to the Syrian War. This is one of my favorite things about reading -- getting to see the world through someone else's eyes.
The content is heavy, but Saleh delivers it in a way that makes it approachable for young readers. The audiobook narrator, Amin El Gamal, performs this book flawlessly! He was perfectly cast for this role. 👏🏻
This is an important book, especially for those of us in the west who aren't privy to the turmoil going on in other parts of the world. It's crucial that we escape our bubbles and hear these stories. Wild Poppies is fiction - but children like Oscar and Sufyan exist.
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The content is heavy, but Saleh delivers it in a way that makes it approachable for young readers. The audiobook narrator, Amin El Gamal, performs this book flawlessly! He was perfectly cast for this role. 👏🏻
This is an important book, especially for those of us in the west who aren't privy to the turmoil going on in other parts of the world. It's crucial that we escape our bubbles and hear these stories. Wild Poppies is fiction - but children like Oscar and Sufyan exist.
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May 29, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Levine Querido for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Available May 23, 2023.
4 stars
This is a beautiful middle grade book that doesn't shy away from some of the horrific details of war. Oscar and Sufyan are young boys in Syria trying to do the best for their family and getting lost along the way. It showcases the power of family, friends and community while showing us young main characters who persevere during dark times.
Wild Poppies is a fast but impactful read, and I recommend it for children and adults alike.
Available May 23, 2023.
4 stars
This is a beautiful middle grade book that doesn't shy away from some of the horrific details of war. Oscar and Sufyan are young boys in Syria trying to do the best for their family and getting lost along the way. It showcases the power of family, friends and community while showing us young main characters who persevere during dark times.
Wild Poppies is a fast but impactful read, and I recommend it for children and adults alike.
July 1, 2025
Hauntingly beautiful. Sad. Happy. All the feels.
“A darkness settled over our land, spreading like a stain across the whole universe. I wondered, how can the sun still shine its light on us? How are the streets silent? Not rejecting those men who are walking on them? How do the tree branches not wither in protest at being turned into gallows?”
“other countries would kill us from the skies while internal conflicts would kill us from the ground. At the time, his words didn’t mean anything to me. I was sure that this war he was talking about would take place somewhere else, and it couldn’t possibly reach us.”
“A darkness settled over our land, spreading like a stain across the whole universe. I wondered, how can the sun still shine its light on us? How are the streets silent? Not rejecting those men who are walking on them? How do the tree branches not wither in protest at being turned into gallows?”
“other countries would kill us from the skies while internal conflicts would kill us from the ground. At the time, his words didn’t mean anything to me. I was sure that this war he was talking about would take place somewhere else, and it couldn’t possibly reach us.”
November 11, 2023
pretty good. not really sure who the audience is in terms of age range? the cover is very adult but the content and language was very MG? not really sure tbh.
great structure between the brothers and I liked the characterization. their development was good. side characters were kinda boring.
great structure between the brothers and I liked the characterization. their development was good. side characters were kinda boring.
May 12, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book from Levine-Querido but I am not being compensated for this review.
“War churned sadness into the air until it was all you could breathe.”
This is the air that Omar and Sufyan, brothers and refugees of the war in Syria, breathe every day. Omar, the older, bookish brother is trying to take the place of their dead father, but is constantly falling short as Sufyan is quick to point out. Meanwhile, Sufyan gets involved in a series of schemes in hopes of making enough money to feed the family. Eventually, one of Sufyan’s schemes results in him being forcibly recruited and held captive by a rebel group. Omar must leave his mother and sister to attempt to rescue Sufyan, but will he reach him before it’s too late?
Told from the perspectives of the two brothers, this novel provides and thorough, and sometimes lightly graphic, portrayal of life in war-torn Syria. It offers insight into the process through which child soldiers are recruited and the terrors faced by innocent citizens. While the portrayal is honest, it is still appropriate for the intended audience (late middle school and high school.) This book is a valuable teaching resource in helping students understand what life is like in a war-torn country. Sometimes, the story can be a little too straightforward but occasionally a poetic line, such as the one above, stands out. I’m not sure if this is a result of the translation or the writing style of the author. Highly recommend this book!
“War churned sadness into the air until it was all you could breathe.”
This is the air that Omar and Sufyan, brothers and refugees of the war in Syria, breathe every day. Omar, the older, bookish brother is trying to take the place of their dead father, but is constantly falling short as Sufyan is quick to point out. Meanwhile, Sufyan gets involved in a series of schemes in hopes of making enough money to feed the family. Eventually, one of Sufyan’s schemes results in him being forcibly recruited and held captive by a rebel group. Omar must leave his mother and sister to attempt to rescue Sufyan, but will he reach him before it’s too late?
Told from the perspectives of the two brothers, this novel provides and thorough, and sometimes lightly graphic, portrayal of life in war-torn Syria. It offers insight into the process through which child soldiers are recruited and the terrors faced by innocent citizens. While the portrayal is honest, it is still appropriate for the intended audience (late middle school and high school.) This book is a valuable teaching resource in helping students understand what life is like in a war-torn country. Sometimes, the story can be a little too straightforward but occasionally a poetic line, such as the one above, stands out. I’m not sure if this is a result of the translation or the writing style of the author. Highly recommend this book!
December 28, 2022
When I got this ARC on NetGalley I didn’t realize it was middle grade and at first I was disappointed, I prefer to read YA and adult fiction but since I haven’t had many ARCs I decided to read it anyway.
Oh my goodness. This just put my heart through the wringer. Syrian brothers Omar and Sufyan are refugees living with their mother and sister after their home city is bombed and their father is killed. Omar is bookish and sensitive and Sufyan is bold and aggressive. They are constantly at odds. Trying to provide for their family, Sufyan is tricked into joining the Falcons of Truth and Omar fears he will never see him again. When the refugee camp where Omar is living is bombed he escapes with two other teenagers. The two stories of survival wind back and forth in the boys attempts to find their family again.
I’m having a hard time finding the words to describe my feelings about this book. It is middle grade so the writing is simple but the story is so heavy. At times I found myself questioning how it could be middle grade because although it wasn’t graphic in detail, it was violent. I had to keep reminding myself that this is reality, teenage boys being brought into war that they don’t necessarily understand or agree with because they don’t have other options. This is the first books I’ve read set in Syria and I think my apprehension at the age range for this books comes from living in a place of safety and security.
There were some parts of the book that felt a little rushed, and a few flashbacks that felt a little oddly placed, but that’s really the only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars. I think it’s a great book and could be an excellent teaching tool.
Oh my goodness. This just put my heart through the wringer. Syrian brothers Omar and Sufyan are refugees living with their mother and sister after their home city is bombed and their father is killed. Omar is bookish and sensitive and Sufyan is bold and aggressive. They are constantly at odds. Trying to provide for their family, Sufyan is tricked into joining the Falcons of Truth and Omar fears he will never see him again. When the refugee camp where Omar is living is bombed he escapes with two other teenagers. The two stories of survival wind back and forth in the boys attempts to find their family again.
I’m having a hard time finding the words to describe my feelings about this book. It is middle grade so the writing is simple but the story is so heavy. At times I found myself questioning how it could be middle grade because although it wasn’t graphic in detail, it was violent. I had to keep reminding myself that this is reality, teenage boys being brought into war that they don’t necessarily understand or agree with because they don’t have other options. This is the first books I’ve read set in Syria and I think my apprehension at the age range for this books comes from living in a place of safety and security.
There were some parts of the book that felt a little rushed, and a few flashbacks that felt a little oddly placed, but that’s really the only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars. I think it’s a great book and could be an excellent teaching tool.
December 13, 2022
Let me be frank enough, *taking a deep breath... As some of you know how much I'm obsessed with books that are set in the Middle East, so it is obviously five stars for me😭🧡
Set in Syria, about two brothers, 15 Years-old Omar and 12 Years-old Sufyan, who are struggling in a refugee camp with their family but turn out to be separated from each other in the middle of a war and blockade. The grief feels so real, and the tension is evident, I could feel all the emotions filling the pages. I valued Sufyan as a younger brother of Omar but knows how to be responsible for his family and was quite clever even though he could be stubborn, moody, and childish at some point. Was not alike his old brother, Omar, who tends to be quiet and unattractive. He always feels that all responsibilities are in his hand yet he has no idea how to handle them... However, both brothers care for their family and have their own ways to be responsible.
There's this girl, 13 Years-old Salma, who is crushing on Omar, But look this book does not include any romantic theme but I feel I want to mention this Salma as every time Salma and Omar talk, they just seem so cute!
I would say this book is perfect for fans of The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christina Lefteri, but I agree that Wild Poppies is more emotional. I do love both books, by the way. I'm so glad to have a chance to read this book so thanks to Netgalley for this free copy!!
This book is a translated version and guess what? I will grab the original version which is in Arabic and have it on my shelf😻
“According to legend, whenever his blood was shed, these delicate red flowers sprang up.. It is hope...”
Set in Syria, about two brothers, 15 Years-old Omar and 12 Years-old Sufyan, who are struggling in a refugee camp with their family but turn out to be separated from each other in the middle of a war and blockade. The grief feels so real, and the tension is evident, I could feel all the emotions filling the pages. I valued Sufyan as a younger brother of Omar but knows how to be responsible for his family and was quite clever even though he could be stubborn, moody, and childish at some point. Was not alike his old brother, Omar, who tends to be quiet and unattractive. He always feels that all responsibilities are in his hand yet he has no idea how to handle them... However, both brothers care for their family and have their own ways to be responsible.
There's this girl, 13 Years-old Salma, who is crushing on Omar, But look this book does not include any romantic theme but I feel I want to mention this Salma as every time Salma and Omar talk, they just seem so cute!
I would say this book is perfect for fans of The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christina Lefteri, but I agree that Wild Poppies is more emotional. I do love both books, by the way. I'm so glad to have a chance to read this book so thanks to Netgalley for this free copy!!
This book is a translated version and guess what? I will grab the original version which is in Arabic and have it on my shelf😻
“According to legend, whenever his blood was shed, these delicate red flowers sprang up.. It is hope...”
May 30, 2023
Wild Poppies is a story told through the alternating perspectives of Syrian brothers, Omar and Sufyan, who couldn't be more different. We meet the boys while they are living in a refugee camp with their mother and younger sister. The family is struggling to attain the most basic necessities such as food and medication. The brothers differ in their views of how to best provide for their family. Before long, Sufyan becomes involved with a radical organization and things quickly spin out of control for him.
This book gives a heartbreaking glimpse of what life is like for the survivors of the Syrian War and is well worth reading. The narrator was excellent but I wish they would've used two different narrators to voice each brother as the narrator started off sounding different for the second brother but then slipped into the voice used for the first brother. It didn't change the story but it was a bit distracting for me.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for allowing me access to the ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book gives a heartbreaking glimpse of what life is like for the survivors of the Syrian War and is well worth reading. The narrator was excellent but I wish they would've used two different narrators to voice each brother as the narrator started off sounding different for the second brother but then slipped into the voice used for the first brother. It didn't change the story but it was a bit distracting for me.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for allowing me access to the ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 27, 2025
I fully 100% understand that life is not all sunshine and rainbows. However, does it need to be so graphic in a middle grade novel? I am not a conservative by any means. However there are multiple animal, human, and child deaths. I am aware that this is a depiction of real life what some kids go through, but it was horrifying and terrifying. I almost set this book to the side so many times. I am not faint of heart either, but this book made me sick to my stomach to read everything that some kids go through in the Middle East. It also wasn’t fair to describe the journalists and foreigners’ deaths who were trying to capture real life instances only to be met with death, or worse. It was just a horrible depiction that shocked me.
December 8, 2022
Set amidst the Syrian War, this story is told from the point of view of two brothers-Omar and Sufyan. Where Sufyan is bold and restless, Omar is the eldest and he is slow to act and as such, his brother finds him weak and believes that he cannot protect them, so he finds himself entangled with an armed group that lure him with the promise of religious teaching and the next thing, he's kidnapped and handed a gun and taught how to shoot.
It's a book that is categorized as ideal for readers aged 10-14 years and this shouldn't sway readers for it is quite a moving story and you can't help but wonder what would become of the two brothers and their sick mother, and what next with the war still going on?
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
It's a book that is categorized as ideal for readers aged 10-14 years and this shouldn't sway readers for it is quite a moving story and you can't help but wonder what would become of the two brothers and their sick mother, and what next with the war still going on?
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
July 2, 2023
Touching Story of Hope
A short touching story of two brothers’ hope in the face of war and annihilation. One brother studies and reads books while trying to get food through charity. The other brother is lured by a group that offers enticing things and activities which leads to more violent activities.
A short touching story of two brothers’ hope in the face of war and annihilation. One brother studies and reads books while trying to get food through charity. The other brother is lured by a group that offers enticing things and activities which leads to more violent activities.
July 29, 2023
This was beautiful and tragic. I very much enjoyed listening to this sorry.
April 16, 2024
4.5/5
June 6, 2025
I enjoyed this book and I think it covers really important topics in a very touching way.
sometimes the writing felt more like a summary than an actual story? which pulled me out of it.
overall, still very much worth reading.
sometimes the writing felt more like a summary than an actual story? which pulled me out of it.
overall, still very much worth reading.
February 28, 2023
This is one of those books that you wish were pure imagination, that stays with you because it hews so close to reality. Wild Poppies is an account, no less heartbreaking for being in a work of fiction, of soldiers killing and recruiting/brainwashing children. I adored Sufyan, the black sheep of the family, who is brash and stubborn and good with a rifle and goes at everything like a hammer. Omar's effort to emulate his deceased father, too, is poignant.
The stakes were high throughout. One of this book's strengths is the emotion it calls up and the way it evokes constant danger under an oppressive regime. For a middle grade reader this would be an excellent snapshot of the mental toll war takes, especially on children and women.
The book started off strongly, but interiority seemed to be sacrificed to recounting for a good portion of the second half. Everything happened a tiny bit too quickly. If I compare this to the Parvana series, which I loved at that age, I also missed some of the gentle humour of those books in Wild Poppies. I wanted a little bit more character development for Omar, Salma and even Sufyan.
The translation was superlative.
With thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
The stakes were high throughout. One of this book's strengths is the emotion it calls up and the way it evokes constant danger under an oppressive regime. For a middle grade reader this would be an excellent snapshot of the mental toll war takes, especially on children and women.
The book started off strongly, but interiority seemed to be sacrificed to recounting for a good portion of the second half. Everything happened a tiny bit too quickly. If I compare this to the Parvana series, which I loved at that age, I also missed some of the gentle humour of those books in Wild Poppies. I wanted a little bit more character development for Omar, Salma and even Sufyan.
The translation was superlative.
With thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2023
Wild Poppies was so good and emotional—it deals with a lot of heavy topics, like life during the Syrian Civil War (2011-present), child soldiers, bombings… While painful, these topics are presented with care and in an understandable way to the middle grade audience. these things are happening to young people in some countries, so young people in “peaceful” countries should learn about them! i think both middle grade and YA audiences would enjoy reading this (but parents should be available to discuss it with younger readers). for adult audiences, it serves as a good reminder of how much Syrian children have had to go through in the last 10+ years.
overall, the writing feels a little simple, but not immature—great for a MG book! Saleh’s writing and Lynx Qualey’s translation are beautiful, and really make you care about Omar and Sufyan. you can immediately tell who these brothers are, and how different their personalities are. the pacing of the later chapters is a bit too fast, but that’s my only complaint! finally, the cover is just beautiful 😭
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC! Wild Poppies will be published on June 6, 2023 :)
overall, the writing feels a little simple, but not immature—great for a MG book! Saleh’s writing and Lynx Qualey’s translation are beautiful, and really make you care about Omar and Sufyan. you can immediately tell who these brothers are, and how different their personalities are. the pacing of the later chapters is a bit too fast, but that’s my only complaint! finally, the cover is just beautiful 😭
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC! Wild Poppies will be published on June 6, 2023 :)
June 7, 2023
Written by Haya Saleh and translated by Marcia Lynx Qualey, Wild Poppies is an emotionally engrossing middle-grade story of two Syrian brothers, Omar and Sufyan, whose lives are torn apart due to the war. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Amin El Gamal, and oh my goodness, what a fabulous narration. It’s straight from the heart!
The brothers, along with their mother and younger sister, are forced to live in a refugee camp after their village is bombed and their father is martyred. Left with no other choice, 15-year-old Omar takes on the role of the protector and caretaker. Omar is practical and gentle and loves reading books, much to the annoyance of his younger brother Sufyan, who is overconfident and impulsive. A skilled hunter and shooter, he wants to help take care of his family, too. Unfortunately, he is tricked into joining a radical religious group that is recruiting young boys as foot soldiers. The story is about the brothers finding each other and the right path on this harrowing journey.
The writing is simple and apt for the target audience. I loved the manner in which the characters find closure and their story arc is well developed. It’s impossible to not root for the brothers and their friends.
While the ending is abrupt, it is hopeful and a relief after reading about the brothers' traumatic experiences.
Since the story is narrated from a dual perspective, it helps us see the brother’s world through their eyes. Both of them are in the same situation, and yet, their approach to it is different and is guided by their respective beliefs and thought processes.
Saleh presents the situation realistically. This book is a wonderful resource to have engaging discussions on the aftermath of war, the lives of refugees, religious extremists, and the perseverance to go on despite all challenges.
Amin El Gamal’s narration is fabulous, no doubt. The audiobook would have been even more enjoyable if there had been two different narrators.
Though I had a fabulous time reading this book, I feel a word of caution is required too. Since the book deals with serious themes, some middle graders might find the book a little dark. It is better if the parents/teachers vet it first.
Wild Poppies is an honest and heartbreaking story of survival amidst despair. I can’t recommend it enough!
Wordsopedia Rating 4.75/5
Trigger warnings - Abuse, killings, bombing, starvation, kidnapping, displacement.
I received an ARC of this audiobook from NetGalley and RB Media.
The brothers, along with their mother and younger sister, are forced to live in a refugee camp after their village is bombed and their father is martyred. Left with no other choice, 15-year-old Omar takes on the role of the protector and caretaker. Omar is practical and gentle and loves reading books, much to the annoyance of his younger brother Sufyan, who is overconfident and impulsive. A skilled hunter and shooter, he wants to help take care of his family, too. Unfortunately, he is tricked into joining a radical religious group that is recruiting young boys as foot soldiers. The story is about the brothers finding each other and the right path on this harrowing journey.
The writing is simple and apt for the target audience. I loved the manner in which the characters find closure and their story arc is well developed. It’s impossible to not root for the brothers and their friends.
While the ending is abrupt, it is hopeful and a relief after reading about the brothers' traumatic experiences.
Since the story is narrated from a dual perspective, it helps us see the brother’s world through their eyes. Both of them are in the same situation, and yet, their approach to it is different and is guided by their respective beliefs and thought processes.
Saleh presents the situation realistically. This book is a wonderful resource to have engaging discussions on the aftermath of war, the lives of refugees, religious extremists, and the perseverance to go on despite all challenges.
Amin El Gamal’s narration is fabulous, no doubt. The audiobook would have been even more enjoyable if there had been two different narrators.
Though I had a fabulous time reading this book, I feel a word of caution is required too. Since the book deals with serious themes, some middle graders might find the book a little dark. It is better if the parents/teachers vet it first.
Wild Poppies is an honest and heartbreaking story of survival amidst despair. I can’t recommend it enough!
Wordsopedia Rating 4.75/5
Trigger warnings - Abuse, killings, bombing, starvation, kidnapping, displacement.
I received an ARC of this audiobook from NetGalley and RB Media.
May 12, 2023
Based on the context of Syrian civil war, Haya Saleh's novel 'Wild Poppies' tales the story of two brothers. Fifteen years old Omar unwantedly becomes his family's head after sudden death of his father in a viloent outbreak of war torn Syria. But his hard struggles to guide his family in a safe manner doesn't seem sufficient to the younger brother Sufyan who is only twelve years old. Unsatisfied with the attempts of Omar, Sufyan tries to help his family in a significant but quick way only to be trapped by a Muslim extremist group who targets little children to make child warrior by brain washing them with violence and fake islamist ideologies. After Sufyan got abducted by these extremists, Omar goes all way to find his little brother. But the outcome is brutal as more and more violence hit his family and village. It's also the story of a little girl Salema who likes Omar in a society that is raked with hatred every moment.
The story represents unusual upbringing of children in war-weary lands of Syria. In an age when they should learn about the positives of life and love, their lives are devastated by hatred, violence, pain, agony, uncertainty and trauma. The islamaic extremism that leads the way of terrorism is neatly sketched in the eyes of two little children. Salema and Omar's mother represents the women of Syria who still fights for their dignity and identity. Translated from Arabic to English by Marcia Lynx Qualey, the book's language is easy to grasp. I personally loved the narrative style from various perspectives. All the characters are just great and relatable in respect to the Syrian context. Loved the true world creation of War devastated Syria. The novel represents horrible incidents in an emotional but sympathetic point of view. Not only the human condition and psychological explorations but the political scenario of Syria is greatly represented by the author.
If anyone wants to read a fiction about Syria from a perspective of child then this novel that reminds me of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne, is a great choice. From me this one is a four star read. I am genuinely grateful to Netgalley for providing me the e-arc of the title.
The story represents unusual upbringing of children in war-weary lands of Syria. In an age when they should learn about the positives of life and love, their lives are devastated by hatred, violence, pain, agony, uncertainty and trauma. The islamaic extremism that leads the way of terrorism is neatly sketched in the eyes of two little children. Salema and Omar's mother represents the women of Syria who still fights for their dignity and identity. Translated from Arabic to English by Marcia Lynx Qualey, the book's language is easy to grasp. I personally loved the narrative style from various perspectives. All the characters are just great and relatable in respect to the Syrian context. Loved the true world creation of War devastated Syria. The novel represents horrible incidents in an emotional but sympathetic point of view. Not only the human condition and psychological explorations but the political scenario of Syria is greatly represented by the author.
If anyone wants to read a fiction about Syria from a perspective of child then this novel that reminds me of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne, is a great choice. From me this one is a four star read. I am genuinely grateful to Netgalley for providing me the e-arc of the title.
February 8, 2023
I used to believe there was one kind of death, where the soul would leave the body. But here I had seen lots of kinds of death, and plenty of bodies without souls, even though the people in those bodies were still alive
A heartbreaking story about having your life upturned as war strikes a country through the innocent lenses of two brothers, Omar - 15 years old and Sufyan - 12 years old. The two Syrian brother take us through their journey of survival, forced to 'become men' and to take responsibilities for their families.
I started this book without reading the synopsis and the fact that it was a middle grade book came as a surprise to me.
I loved every aspect of this book, the portrayal of getting recruited in the name of Allah, the brainwashing, the innocent dreams of little boys to just bring ease in their mother's lives. Every detail about the terrorist organization is not new to me, tales of war-stricken countries have been openly discussed and shared.
I'm always left with deep sadness and empathy for the people who suffer just because #some people want their land and does not want to share' This is not just a Syrian story, this story is sadly a common tale of Palestine, Afghanistan and so many other countries, where people's lives are upturned because of political conflicts and cruel bombings, destroying millions of lives, taking millions of loved ones, leaving millions of people striving for the bare minimum necessities while the rest of the world is advancing. Forcing people to stop dreaming, stop living and just surviving.
Reading this book also reminded of a recent movie 'The Swimmers' which the same story with different context and different people.
Thank you to the author for writing such a simple story with a strong message, for sharing this with the world.
Thank you NetGalley for an e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
A heartbreaking story about having your life upturned as war strikes a country through the innocent lenses of two brothers, Omar - 15 years old and Sufyan - 12 years old. The two Syrian brother take us through their journey of survival, forced to 'become men' and to take responsibilities for their families.
I started this book without reading the synopsis and the fact that it was a middle grade book came as a surprise to me.
I loved every aspect of this book, the portrayal of getting recruited in the name of Allah, the brainwashing, the innocent dreams of little boys to just bring ease in their mother's lives. Every detail about the terrorist organization is not new to me, tales of war-stricken countries have been openly discussed and shared.
I'm always left with deep sadness and empathy for the people who suffer just because #some people want their land and does not want to share' This is not just a Syrian story, this story is sadly a common tale of Palestine, Afghanistan and so many other countries, where people's lives are upturned because of political conflicts and cruel bombings, destroying millions of lives, taking millions of loved ones, leaving millions of people striving for the bare minimum necessities while the rest of the world is advancing. Forcing people to stop dreaming, stop living and just surviving.
Reading this book also reminded of a recent movie 'The Swimmers' which the same story with different context and different people.
Thank you to the author for writing such a simple story with a strong message, for sharing this with the world.
Thank you NetGalley for an e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
May 23, 2023
Since Omar’s Baba was murdered he has tried to make the best of his new life in the country living in his aunts house with multiple extended family members his mom his brother Sufyan and little sister Thrya. There’s even a girl named Selma who has a crush on him. Omar is ill equipped to be the man of a family in the middle of a war torn country but he does his best or at least what he thinks is his best but when his brother Safaian leaves and doesn’t come back he fears the worst. After the local tell risk group takes over their village and implements new rules he doesn’t see Selma as much but one day being tired of staying at home she goes to find Omar because she remembered a clue as to wear a safari has gone. This little quick trip will ultimately take them far from home because when they get to the tree where is the fine left a clue to his whereabouts bombs go off and when he calls his mom on someone’s phone to tell him to run away they’re taking the boys for soldiers and the girls for spoils of war she says if you come back you will all be lost . This will show Omar he is much stronger and more capable than he initially thought and may even bring his family back together. I love this book it is a short listen but it is thought-provoking heartwarming horrific nightmarish but also worth listening to because all I kept thinking while listening to this book is this really is someone’s life and it makes the things people gripe about in first world countries look ridiculous. This really is a great book and what I absolutely loved and I thought the narrator did a great job with his character distinction and setting the tone for such a great but at times horrible situation to BN I received this book from NetGalley and a publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
May 25, 2023
In Haya Saleh's Wild Poppies, we follow two Syrian refugee brothers, Omar and Sufyan, living in a refugee camp during the midst of the Syrian war. When the boys' father was killed, 14 year old Omar was left in charge as "the man of the house," however he finds himself at constant odds with his little brother Sufyan, who finds Omar to be weak and sensitive, not worthy or capable of protecting the family. Determined to help take care of his sick mother and little sister and finding Omar insufficient at doing so, Sufyan finds himself tricked into joining The Falcons of Truth, a violent extremist military group who steal little boys from their homes and brainwash them into fighting for their cause. Meanwhile, when their refugee camp is bombed, Omar manages to escape with two other teenagers. From there, the story bounces back and forth between the two boys on their journey to find their way back to each other. A heartbreaking, harrowing story of survival, the violent realities of war, and what it's like living under an oppressive regime. Just under 200 pages and with the audiobook about 4 hours long, this is a short, yet impactful read, that can be completed in one sitting or one afternoon. Despite the heavy topics discussed, I think this would be a great middle school read for 7th or 8th graders to learn about the realities of war and the affects they can have on children and families. It was a tiny bit rushed towards the end, but I was still left feeling devastated for what these children went through. It's hard to imagine that this story could be real, but it is and it happens every day to families and children in many parts of the world overtaken by religious extremists. This story will stay with me. 4 stars
August 6, 2023
Thank you to the publisher for the galley of this moving book!
Wild Poppies is the story of one Syrian family who are displaced during the war. The story is told through the eyes of Omar and Sufyan, brothers who each feel the weight of their responsibility to their family after their father’s death.
Saleh does an incredibly job of rendering a very complex and tragic story into a format that can be read and related to by younger readers. She thoughtfully weaves in themes of how children are taken advantage of in humanitarian situations and showcases a very real problem of armed groups manipulating boys into becoming child soldiers. As someone who works in the field of humanitarian aid, I found the account of these events through children’s eyes to be moving and heartbreaking.
I think it is important for young adult audiences to read stories about young people in settings that may be very different from the place where they have grown up. Reading about the experiences of their peers in war, refugee camps, and as unaccompanied youth, can help build empathy and promote awareness of the struggles of people throughout the world. I think Saleh’s treatment of the young people in this book renders them very relatable, as she weaves in details about the regular kid stuff they are doing and thinking about, even in the midst of circumstances that force them to grow up quickly.
Overall I think this book was well-crafted and will bring an important perspective to young readers who encounter it.
Wild Poppies is the story of one Syrian family who are displaced during the war. The story is told through the eyes of Omar and Sufyan, brothers who each feel the weight of their responsibility to their family after their father’s death.
Saleh does an incredibly job of rendering a very complex and tragic story into a format that can be read and related to by younger readers. She thoughtfully weaves in themes of how children are taken advantage of in humanitarian situations and showcases a very real problem of armed groups manipulating boys into becoming child soldiers. As someone who works in the field of humanitarian aid, I found the account of these events through children’s eyes to be moving and heartbreaking.
I think it is important for young adult audiences to read stories about young people in settings that may be very different from the place where they have grown up. Reading about the experiences of their peers in war, refugee camps, and as unaccompanied youth, can help build empathy and promote awareness of the struggles of people throughout the world. I think Saleh’s treatment of the young people in this book renders them very relatable, as she weaves in details about the regular kid stuff they are doing and thinking about, even in the midst of circumstances that force them to grow up quickly.
Overall I think this book was well-crafted and will bring an important perspective to young readers who encounter it.
October 9, 2024
Based on a Publishers Weekly review, I found Wild Poppies on Barnes and Noble. Wild Poppies earned the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature, one of the best book prizes in the Arab world. Originally written in Arabic and translated into English, this book discusses the story of two brothers Omar and Sufyan during the Syrian war. Omar becomes the man of the family when his father dies as the family is escaping the war that has reached their home. This creates tension between Omar and Sufyan because although Omar is only three tears older than Sufyan, he tries to control his reckless brother. As Omar becomes the “father” of the family, he tries to get food and water for his family by waiting in long lines with every other family in the village. However, Sufyan has had enough of his family not getting the food and water they need to survive, so he takes matters into his own hands. This leads to Sufyan getting involved with a group that gives him money for completing different tasks. The tasks become more intense causing Sufyan to leave his family behind at the village.
Read this hard-to-put-down fiction book to find out what happens to Sufyan and his family and how the relationship between Omar and Sufyan changes throughout the book. This is a great book for grades fifth through eighth discussing the Syrian war and also can be used to learn about character development. The book switches back and forth between the story being told from the perspective of Omar and the perspective of Sufyan, so it is beneficial to read the print copy to be able to track this.
Read this hard-to-put-down fiction book to find out what happens to Sufyan and his family and how the relationship between Omar and Sufyan changes throughout the book. This is a great book for grades fifth through eighth discussing the Syrian war and also can be used to learn about character development. The book switches back and forth between the story being told from the perspective of Omar and the perspective of Sufyan, so it is beneficial to read the print copy to be able to track this.
April 15, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Levine Querido for the eARC! Wild poppies is out on 6 june 2023.
I didn't realise this book was middle grade when I picked it up, but I have to say this is the type of book child-me would have loved, and adult-me was also very impressed by.
Wild poppies follows two Syrian brothers, omar and sufyan, who's father has been killed in the ongoing war in Syria. They now live near a refugee camp with their mother and younger sister. Throughout the book, the family gets separated, as sufyan finds himself entangled with religious extremists called the Falcons of Truth and their home is bombed once again. The story alternates between omar and sufyans point of view as they try to find their way back to each other.
It takes a special kind of writing to be able to tell a story this hard and heartbreaking to children. There is violence and death in Wild poppies, and this makes it not the easiest read, but nonetheless it is still told in a way that is suitable for a younger audience, which I found really impressive. The characters are diverse and interesting and the story is told at the right pace, except for the end, which felt a little rushed to me. I won't spoil it, but I would have liked a few extra pages after the last words.
I didn't realise this book was middle grade when I picked it up, but I have to say this is the type of book child-me would have loved, and adult-me was also very impressed by.
Wild poppies follows two Syrian brothers, omar and sufyan, who's father has been killed in the ongoing war in Syria. They now live near a refugee camp with their mother and younger sister. Throughout the book, the family gets separated, as sufyan finds himself entangled with religious extremists called the Falcons of Truth and their home is bombed once again. The story alternates between omar and sufyans point of view as they try to find their way back to each other.
It takes a special kind of writing to be able to tell a story this hard and heartbreaking to children. There is violence and death in Wild poppies, and this makes it not the easiest read, but nonetheless it is still told in a way that is suitable for a younger audience, which I found really impressive. The characters are diverse and interesting and the story is told at the right pace, except for the end, which felt a little rushed to me. I won't spoil it, but I would have liked a few extra pages after the last words.
June 19, 2023
WoW! and breath..........Wild Poppies by Haya Saleh
Narrated by Amin El Gamal and Marcia Lynx Qualey the Translator
This audiobook may of only been 2 Hours, 45 Minutes long but it just took my breath away and gave me goose bumps on my arms!
Wild Poppies is about two brothers Omar and Sufya who are in the middle of the Syrian War. With the death of their beloved father who was their male role model to them they had no where to turn. They were forced to flee their home because of the bombings around them. Omar is very patient and is never radical or aggressive, However, Sufyan thinks his older brother is a coward. Omar longs for the books he left behind. Sufyan gets involved with a group that offers him a job that pays well. This job is dangerous and will get him into trouble!
WoW this audiobook was so powerful, that shows courage between two young brothers living in the middle of the Syrian War.
This will be a book that will stay with me for a very long time.
This a book that should be told and shared in senior schools, for them to know what is going on around the world and to discuss as a group.
A massive thank you to Netgalley and RB Media, Recorded Books for my audiobook ARC in exchange for a review.
Narrated by Amin El Gamal and Marcia Lynx Qualey the Translator
This audiobook may of only been 2 Hours, 45 Minutes long but it just took my breath away and gave me goose bumps on my arms!
Wild Poppies is about two brothers Omar and Sufya who are in the middle of the Syrian War. With the death of their beloved father who was their male role model to them they had no where to turn. They were forced to flee their home because of the bombings around them. Omar is very patient and is never radical or aggressive, However, Sufyan thinks his older brother is a coward. Omar longs for the books he left behind. Sufyan gets involved with a group that offers him a job that pays well. This job is dangerous and will get him into trouble!
WoW this audiobook was so powerful, that shows courage between two young brothers living in the middle of the Syrian War.
This will be a book that will stay with me for a very long time.
This a book that should be told and shared in senior schools, for them to know what is going on around the world and to discuss as a group.
A massive thank you to Netgalley and RB Media, Recorded Books for my audiobook ARC in exchange for a review.
November 4, 2024
I'll start with the good.
-The setting is quickly and vividly painted.
-I enjoyed the character growth: seeing Omar take responsibility and Sufyan stop being so stubborn. I also loved that even their flaws were not completely negative and were in some situations strengths.
-I loved when it switched to Sufyan's point of view, his voice is so much more real and childlike.
-While the villains use religion as an excuse for their evils, it's obvious that they don't have true faith. In addition, sympathetic characters rely on Allah reflexively.
On the other hand, I had a lot of quibbles:
-As a whole the book felt very unpolished.
-There is endless telling instead of showing, making it hard to connect to the protagonists
-Chapters often end abruptly and it doesn't seem like a stylistic choice, especially for a middle grade novel.
-The ending feels very serendipitous for how dark the story is overall.
-I don't mean to dunk on a translated OwnVoices book but I felt it could have been edited to more closely resemble mainstream American-published books?
The heart of the story is good, and the emotional journey is sweet, but I really wish this could use a little bit more editing to make it more palatable to most middle grade readers.
-The setting is quickly and vividly painted.
-I enjoyed the character growth: seeing Omar take responsibility and Sufyan stop being so stubborn. I also loved that even their flaws were not completely negative and were in some situations strengths.
-I loved when it switched to Sufyan's point of view, his voice is so much more real and childlike.
-While the villains use religion as an excuse for their evils, it's obvious that they don't have true faith. In addition, sympathetic characters rely on Allah reflexively.
On the other hand, I had a lot of quibbles:
-As a whole the book felt very unpolished.
-There is endless telling instead of showing, making it hard to connect to the protagonists
-Chapters often end abruptly and it doesn't seem like a stylistic choice, especially for a middle grade novel.
-The ending feels very serendipitous for how dark the story is overall.
-I don't mean to dunk on a translated OwnVoices book but I felt it could have been edited to more closely resemble mainstream American-published books?
The heart of the story is good, and the emotional journey is sweet, but I really wish this could use a little bit more editing to make it more palatable to most middle grade readers.
January 12, 2023
Devastating, dizzying, and deeply necessary tale that can allow young Western readers a window into the human cost of the Syrian Conflict. “Wild Poppies” managed to strike a delicate balance between naming the horrific conditions its protagonists survive while not whittling Omar and Sufyan to their trauma. Even through all of war’s physical and emotional toll, Omar is thoughtful, patient, and doing the best he can to fill the absence his father after his death; Sufyan is brash, bright, and looking for more independence as a young person coming of age.
Thank you to the publishers at Levine Querido for an eARC copy and a chance to read a novel translated from Arabic - which are far and few in between!
My hope is that this book can be used in classrooms and libraries to open up conversations on the Syrian refugee crisis. Equally, I hope that this book doesn’t reinforce orientalist stereotyping around Islam, especially with the extremist groups playing a central antagonist role in the book. In the hands of the right teacher, librarian, or trusted adult, this book has the potential to teach our young people that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Thank you to the publishers at Levine Querido for an eARC copy and a chance to read a novel translated from Arabic - which are far and few in between!
My hope is that this book can be used in classrooms and libraries to open up conversations on the Syrian refugee crisis. Equally, I hope that this book doesn’t reinforce orientalist stereotyping around Islam, especially with the extremist groups playing a central antagonist role in the book. In the hands of the right teacher, librarian, or trusted adult, this book has the potential to teach our young people that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
April 13, 2023
This is another of those kinds of stories where you feel like you are really only getting a snapshot of a person's life, rather than seeing them through from start to finish.
Sufyan and Omar are two boys trying to be men in the aftermath of their father's murder and the loss of their home during the Syrian War. Omar is book-smart, gentle, and even cautious to the point of cowardice sometimes. Sufyan is rash, confident, and a skilled hunter, but his impulsiveness and willingness to trust others leads him to make often foolish decisions. Both boys have strengths and weaknesses. Both of them are forced to grow up when the war separates them from their mother, sister, and each other.
This book is horrific in the sense that so many of the events that happen in the story-- the bombings, the murderers and the martyrs, the different sects of Islam clashing and shedding innocent blood, the children who were brainwashed into becoming soldiers-- all these things are real events that happened. Despite how hard this story is to read, I'm glad it's here, in the States, in English, for us to read too.
Sufyan and Omar are two boys trying to be men in the aftermath of their father's murder and the loss of their home during the Syrian War. Omar is book-smart, gentle, and even cautious to the point of cowardice sometimes. Sufyan is rash, confident, and a skilled hunter, but his impulsiveness and willingness to trust others leads him to make often foolish decisions. Both boys have strengths and weaknesses. Both of them are forced to grow up when the war separates them from their mother, sister, and each other.
This book is horrific in the sense that so many of the events that happen in the story-- the bombings, the murderers and the martyrs, the different sects of Islam clashing and shedding innocent blood, the children who were brainwashed into becoming soldiers-- all these things are real events that happened. Despite how hard this story is to read, I'm glad it's here, in the States, in English, for us to read too.
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