As most people who read this blog are aware, I am not a huge fan of middle grade literature. However, I was a Literature Circle Mentor this spring and enjoying reading a wonderful middle grades book with my five Grade 6 students. They loved the book and so did I. Nowhere Boy by Katherine Marsh is the story of Ahmed, who has escaped Syria with his father, but ends up in Belgium alone. He ends up living in the basement of a home being rented by Max’s family (recently moved from DC). Once Max discovers and befriends Max, we learn more about Syria, resistance, and resilience. Along the way, we learn some true stories of Belgium and resistance during WWII. Katherine Marsh used real moments (and her own experience) to tell the tale, which made it even more interesting and realistic. I really enjoyed these characters and this story.