Wild Poppies

Winner of the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature

Since the passing of their father, Omar has tried (and in his little brother Sufyan’s eyes, failed) to be the leader of his family of Syrian refugees.

As Omar waits in line for rations, longing for the books he left behind when his family fled their home, Sufyan explores more nontraditional methods to provide for his family. Ignoring his brother’s warnings, Sufyan gets more and more involved with a group that gives him big rewards for doing seemingly small tasks.

When the group abruptly gets more intense—taking Sufyan and other boys away from their families, teaching them how to shoot guns—Sufyan realizes his brother is right. But is it too late for Sufyan to get out of this?

It’s left to Omar to rescue his brother and reunite the family. He will have to take charge and be brave in ways he’s never dared to before.