Yara's Spring By: Jamal Saeed & Sharon E. McKay

Genre:  Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

Yara's Spring is a 2021 Red Maple Nominee.  This book tells the story of Yara who lives is Aleppo, Syria with her parents, younger brother and grandmother.  Yara's father runs the family bakery and Yara's best friend Shireen lives across the street.  Life is good for Yara until the civil war reaches her city and her family home is bombed.  Yara's parents are lost in the bombing and her grandmother is taken away to a hospital.  Yara and her brother are taken in my Shireen's family.  Yara must try to find her grandmother and figure out a way to rebuild her life.  This story provides a window into the lives of those who have lived through the Syrian civil war.  Yara's character shows strength and love for her family.  This is a very engaging and eye-opening read that I recommend to anyone who enjoys realistic or historical fiction.