Nowhere Boy
Written by Katherine Marsh

Publisher’s Summary:
Fourteen-year-old Ahmed, a Syrian refugee, and thirteen-year-old Max, an American boy, are bound by a secret that sets them on the adventure of a lifetime.

Primary Source Pairing:
Told in alternating narratives, Ahmed and Max live parallel lives until their paths cross and this intersection significantly impacts them both. Readers will find both stories compelling and by the end will be rooting for both boys simultaneously. For this primary source pairing, invite students to watch author Katherine Marsh’s book trailer for Nowhere Boy where she introduces the plot and setting of the book. As an extension, explore the resources Katherine Marsh includes on her website about the historical connection in the book with Albert Jonnart and Ralph Mayer – linked below.

Questions for Discussion:

• Describe what you see and hear.
• What do you notice first?
• Describe any words you see on the screen.
• What other details do you notice?
• Who are the people who appear in it?
• Make a connection to something you see in the video to something you read in the book Nowhere Boy.
• Consider the setting of the book, how does the house play an important role in the story of Ahmed and Max?
• How does the tour of the house in the video help you visualize the story?
• What do you still want to learn?

Credits:
Book Cover and Summary: Follett
Nowhere Boy by Katherine Marsh, book trailer on YouTube

Additional Resources from Katherine Marsh’s website:

Albert Jonnart and Ralph Mayer

The Refugee Crisis 101