Book Description
for Amina by J.L. Powers
From The United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY)
Amina is teen girl growing up in Mogadishu during the Somalian civil war. Her father is an artist, and she takes after him, preferring to use the canvas of the city rather than traditional supplies. When her father is arrested and her brother is taken, she must help her frail grandmother and pregnant mother survive. Together, they cope with hunger and staying safe from the constant shootings and bombings in their city. Amina continues to write her poetry and make street art, making a name for herself as an artist who shows the resilience of Somalis.
USBBY Outstanding International Books, 2016.
Author grew up on the U.S. Mexico border, and considers El Paso home though she lives in Northern California with her family. Editor has been a primary school teacher-librarian and EAL teacher for more than twenty years.
New South Wales. Originally published in English in 2013.
© USBBY, 2022. Used with permission.