Asylee

by Mark R. Benedict

America has just embarked on its boldest creating a start-up city composed of 50,000 of the most vulnerable asylum seekers from around the world. High school volunteer Calvin Edwards narrates the rise of one of the new high schooler Asylee Juma. Asylee not only grapples with refugee status but also aims to become an Olympic runner. Calvin watches as their new friends and families create their new lives in the diverse community. But legalities, threats, and attacks endanger Asylee, his dreams, and his racing career. Calvin and Asylee's relationship grows and wanes before facing the ultimate test of friendship. Can Asylee triumph over adversity and can Calvin find a place as a white American in this new international city?

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2021

About the author

Mark R. Benedict is an English teacher, traveler, and lover of grit and grits. His professional love for fifteen years has been laughing and learning with middle and high school students. His adventurous love has been living in England, Italy, Turkey, Uganda, and Tanzania, as well as traveling to over twenty-five countries. His writing love includes a Master’s Degree in English, contributing to The Burnside Writers’ Collective, and publishing his first novel, The Teacher of All Things. His best love is his amazing wife, delightful daughter, and three wacky cats.

Reviews

[Mark Benedict · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a bit biased, but I hope you find this thought provoking and even moving. Enjoy!