“This gut-wrenching, poetic memoir reminds us that no life story can be reduced to the word ‘refugee.’ Uwiringiyimana weaves the pieces of her life into a fine tapestry that evokes deep empathy, even as it provides an excellent introduction for young readers to the political and economic climate in a conflict-ridden African region.” — New York Times Book Review
★ “The title is a critical piece of literature, contributing to the larger refugee narrative in a way that is complex and nuanced but still accessible for a YA audience. This poignant memoir is a must-have for teen collections.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“As America’s doors threaten to shut against refugees, this memoir could not be timelier. Her ability to summon the chaos and terror is extraordinary, but then, so is she. [Uwiringiyimana] has emerged as a powerful spokesperson for the plight of the dispossessed.” — Booklist
“With compassion and perspicacity, Uwiringiyimana shares the journey through which she became a courageous advocate for her tribe and refugees everywhere: ‘This is my story.... I must keep telling it, until the international community proves.... that my family and all others are not disposable.’” — Publishers Weekly
“Sandra’s account of her transition to America is fully as engrossing as her family’s escape from their war-torn homeland, and her memories of trying to navigate American culture...will provoke consideration even with readers who look upon immigrant classmates and neighbors with indifference.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“The politically and culturally complex picture of Africa that the author paints is welcome, and the complexities of black identity for recent immigrants versus that of diasporic black people are not often touched upon in YA literature.” — Horn Book Magazine
“[A] story of tragedy, terror, survival, and hope. [Uwiringiyimana] becomes a powerful voice for many who are silenced: girls, women, and immigrants everywhere, refugees in particular. This hard-hitting autobiography will have readers reeling as it shows one young woman’s challenging path to healing.” — Kirkus Reviews
“A brave and honest story that puts a human face on the international refugee crisis-and asks us all to walk a mile in Sandra’s shoes.” — Patricia McCormick, author of Sold and Never Fall Down
“Sandra’s life story has profound power. From Africa to America, to the world-an inspiring tale and a riveting read.” — Joanna Coles, Chief Content Officer, Hearst Magazines
“In a world on fire, Sandra’s story of survival delivers essential truths and a message of peace and unity that speaks to us all.” — Tina Brown, founder and CEO of Tina Brown Live Media/Women in the World