Subhi is a refugee. He was born in an Australian permanent detention center after his mother and sister fled the violence of a distant homeland, and the center is the only world he knows. But every night, the faraway whales sing to him, the birds tell him their stories, and the magical Night Sea brings him gifts. As Subhi grows, his imagination threatens to burst beyond the limits of the fences that contain him...until one night, it seems to do just that. Subhi sees a scruffy girl named Jimmie on the other side of the wire mesh, who appears with a notebook written by the mother she lost. Unable to read it herself, Jimmie asks Subhi to unravel her family's love songs and tragedies that are penned there. Subhi and Jimmie might both find comfort--and maybe even freedom--as their tales unfold. But not until each has been braver than ever before and made choices that could change everything. Includes discuss and interview with the author. Includes discussion questions at the conclusion of the story.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.