In the heart of Jasmine Warga's poignant novel, "Other Words for Home," lies Jude, a young girl caught between the worlds of her serene past in Syria and the tumultuous new life awaiting her in America. With her homeland cradled in the embrace of growing unrest, Jude’s journey begins with a heart-wrenching departure from her beloved brother and father, steering her into the unknown terrains of Cincinnati, Ohio. Here, amidst the cacophony of a culture so vibrant yet so alien, Jude navigates the complexities of adolescence, the nuances of family both old and new, and the challenge of finding her voice in a land that labels her before she can introduce herself. Warga masterfully weaves a narrative that is at once tender and empowering, guiding readers through Jude's internal struggle to reconcile her sorrow with her newfound joy. As Jude ventures into the world of American high school, with its foreign norms and unexpected opportunities, her love for movies and a budding passion for the school musical become the backdrop against which she explores her multifaceted identity. "Other Words for Home" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the unbreakable bonds of family, and the courage it takes to be oneself in a world that is constantly trying to define us. Through Jude’s eyes, we are reminded that home is not just a place but a feeling—one that can be carried in the heart, across oceans and borders, in search of belonging and acceptance.