somalia

"The historical and economic circumstances of Somalia have left its population vulnerable to the terrorist group al-Shabaab, sometimes as victims, sometimes as perpetrators, and sometimes as both. Using primary sources, this book shares stories of teens affected by Somalia's violence"--Provided by publisher.

"The historical and economic circumstances of Somalia have left its population vulnerable to the terrorist group al-Shabaab, sometimes as victims, sometimes as perpetrators, and sometimes as both. Using primary sources, this book shares stories of teens affected by Somalia's violence"--Provided by publisher.

This book offers readers a compelling look into the lives, challenges, and successes of Somali immigrants.

New Yorker staff writer Alexis Okeowo reveals a rich account of everyday people swept up in war and extremism in Africa, and the resources they have used to fight back.

"Fatuma does not remember a time when there was no fighting in her homeland of Somalia. With violence all around them and a lack of food and water, Fatuma and her family are forced to escape to the world's largest refugee camp, in Kenya. Life in the camp is hard, and Fatuma hopes to one day feel safe. Interspersed with facts about Somalia and its people, this narrative tells a story common to many refugees fleeing the country."--Provided by publisher.

"Situated hundreds of miles from any other settlement, deep within the inhospitable desert of northern Kenya where only thorn bushes grow, Dadaab is a city like no other. Its buildings are made from mud, sticks or plastic, its entire economy is grey, and its citizens survive on rations and luck. Over the course of four years, Ben Rawlence became a first-hand witness to a strange and desperate limbo-land, getting to know many of those who have come there seeking sanctuary. ... In City of Thorns, Rawlence interweaves the stories of nine individuals to show what life is like in the camp and to sketch the wider political forces that keep the refugees trapped there"--Amazon.com.

Describes the lives of Somali Americans, both long-term residents of the United States and recent immigrants, presents a brief history of Somalia, and highlights some achievements of Somali Americans.

"Amina lives on the edges of Mogadishu. Her family's house has been damaged in Somalia's long civil war, but they continue to live there, reluctant to leave their home. Amina's world is shattered when government forces come to arrest her father because his art has been officially censored, deemed too political. Then rebel forces kidnap Amina's brother, forcing him to become a soldier in Somalia's brutal ongoing war"--OCLC.

Based on a remarkable true story, an unforgettable Somali girl risks her life on the migrant journey to Europe to run in the Olympic Games At eight years of age, Samia lives to run. She shares her dream with her best friend and neighbor, Ali, who appoints himself her "professional coach." Eight-year-old Ali trains her, times her, and pushes her to achieve her goals. For both children, Samia's running is the bright spot in their tumultuous life in Somalia. She is talented, brave, and determined to represent her country in the Olympic Games, just like her hero, the great Somali runner Mo Farah. For the next several years, Samia and Ali train at night in a deserted stadium as war rages and political tensions continue to escalate. Despite the lack of resources, despite the war, and despite all of the restrictions imposed on Somali women, Samia becomes a world-class runner. As a teenager, she is selected to represent her country at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She finishes last in her heat at the Games, but the sight of the small, skinny woman in modest clothes running in the dust of athletes like Veronica Campbell-Brown brings the Olympic stadium to its feet. Samia sets her sights on the 2012 Games in London. Conditions in Somalia have worsened, and she must make the arduous migrant journey across Africa and the Mediterranean alone. Just like millions of refugees, Samia risks her life for the hope of a better future.

Relates the story, in graphic novel format, of Somali athlete Samia Yusuf Omar, who overcame great odds to represent her country in the 2008 Olympics and died in the process of trying to do the same in 2012.