Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

Jude lives in Syria with her parents and older brother.  When the war gets a little too close to home, Jude and her mother travel to America to stay with Jude's uncle until it is safe to return. Jude has always loved American movie stars, but living in America is full of challenges Jude didn't expect. As she struggles with ESL and prejudice because of her decision to wear a hijab, she wonders if her dream of being in the spotlight could ever come true.

This is another book that got a lot of starred reviews this year.  Warga, though born in America, is the child of immigrants and understands how it feels to be judged by your religion or place of origin.  Jude is a very sympathetic character and the reader feels her pride when she first puts on the hijab, and her worry for her family left behind in a war zone. This is a great choice for readers who enjoy learning what it is like to be from a different culture. (2019, 342 p.)