SALMA MAKES A HOME

In this chapter-book spinoff series from Salma the Syrian Chef (2020), a young immigrant’s reunion with her father brings up unexpectedly complex feelings.

After nearly two years of waiting, Salma’s father has finally gotten his paperwork taken care of and can leave Syria for Vancouver, Canada, to be with Salma and her mother. When she shares her news with her classmates, Salma is surprised at the difficulty she has remembering her beloved home in Damascus, and her excitement is tinged with sadness and anxiety. When Baba arrives, she worries that his struggles learning English, dislike of the cold weather, and insistence on watching Syrian television shows are signs that he will abandon the family to return to Syria—a place Salma barely remembers. Eventually, Salma realizes that “it’s okay to have two homes” and that her father’s love will always be stronger than his pull toward Syria. With expressive grayscale illustrations, this is an honest, nuanced look at the complicated emotions stirred up by migration. Salma’s feelings about her father’s return are highly relatable, shedding light on an experience not always depicted in children’s literature. Although the text can feel repetitive—Salma’s eyes “burn” with emotion enough times that it becomes trite—ultimately, it’s a lyrical, layered, and deftly told story.

A forthright, tender perspective on childhood immigration.