Summary

In Chapter 1, at the end of Sami’s English class, the principal “burst into the room” and announced an early dismissal (5). Sami and his “best friend Joseph . . . locked eyes in confusion” (5). A bomb had gone off and their parents would pick them up. Sami knew about the war in Syria, but could not believe Damascus had been bombed. He worried about Baba at the hospital. Mama had stayed home from work because his little sister Sara “wasn’t feeling well” (7).

On their way out, the bully George teased Joseph. Sami stood up for his friend.

Joseph’s baba picked up Joseph and Sami. Sami was confused by his behavior. The boys also did not understand why they could not go to football practice. Sami’s chauffeur Avraham was meant to bring him his new shoes beforehand. Joseph’s baba did not answer their...