Nowhere Boy

"A resistance novel for our time." -
The New York Times


"A hopeful story about recovery, empathy, and the bravery of young people." -
Booklist


"This well-crafted and suspenseful novel touches on the topics of refugees and immigrant integration, terrorism, Islam, Islamophobia, and the Syrian war with sensitivity and grace." -
Kirkus, Starred Review


Fourteen-year-old Ahmed is stuck in a city that wants nothing to do with him. Newly arrived in Brussels, Belgium, Ahmed fled a life of uncertainty and suffering in Aleppo, Syria, only to lose his father on the perilous journey to the shores of Europe. Now Ahmed's struggling to get by on his own, but with no one left to trust and nowhere to go, he's starting to lose hope.


Then he meets Max, a thirteen-year-old American boy from Washington, D. C. Lonely and homesick, Max is struggling at his new school and just can't seem to do anything right. But with one startling discovery, Max and Ahmed's lives collide and a friendship begins to grow. Together, Max and Ahmed will defy the odds, learning from each other what it means to be brave and how hope can change your destiny.


Set against the backdrop of the Syrian refugee crisis, award-winning author of
Jepp, Who Defied the Stars Katherine Marsh delivers a gripping, heartwarming story of resilience, friendship and everyday heroes. Barbara O'Connor, author of
Wish and
Wonderland, says "Move
Nowhere Boy to the top of your to-be-read pile immediately."