World in Between: Based on a True Refugee Story written by Kenan Trebincevic and Susan Shapiro, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In this powerful autobiographical novel, author Kenan Trebinčević recounts his experiences as an 11-year-old boy during the Bosnian War in his hometown of Brčko, Yugoslavia. The story follows Kenan, a typical young teen who enjoys playing soccer, drawing, and navigating friendships. However, his peaceful life is shattered when political unrest transforms his hometown into a war zone, forcing him and his family to flee their home. They first escape to Austria and eventually reach the United States, specifically Connecticut, where they face numerous challenges, including language barriers, cultural adjustments, and the trauma of their past. Throughout their journey, Kenan grapples with feelings of loss, betrayal, and the quest for belonging. The narrative delicately balances the harsh realities of war with the universal themes of childhood, resilience, and hope. It sheds light on the refugee experience, emphasizing the kindness of strangers amidst adversity. Kenan's story ultimately illustrates the human capacity for empathy and the importance of community support in overcoming the struggles of displacement. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book serves as an essential resource in school libraries and classrooms, offering students a poignant perspective on the refugee experience and the complexities of the Bosnian War. It can be incorporated into discussions about empathy, cultural diversity, and the impact of religion on identity and conflict. Educators can use this text to foster conversations about how Kenan's Muslim faith plays a role in his family's experiences during the war, highlighting themes of discrimination, belonging, and resilience. The author wrote about how they did not really practice their faith in Yugoslavia. When they came to the US, they were taken in by a Christian church and their members and that affected their experience. Additionally, it can serve as a springboard for exploring historical events, encouraging students to research the Bosnian War and its consequences. The relatable protagonist, Kenan, will engage middle school readers, providing a platform for meaningful discussions about religion, identity, and the immigrant experience in contemporary society. I think that soccer players will quickly identify with the main characters as it was one of his passions. Even as an adult reader, the Bosnian War was so complicated, this book helped me to understand more than I did before. The story also helps explain reasons why the communist political boundaries of Yugoslavia did not survive deeply the held nationalism of the Serbs, Croats and Bosnians. It's a powerful read.