"Look! A journalist wants to promote my
videos! He wants to show the world what
is happening in Syria!
Muhammad, you can't send this.
Why not?
Do you know who this is?
Yes, a journalist.
He claims he's a journalist.
What did I tell you about showing
where you live?"
What a truly powerful story this is.
Muhammad Najem lives in war-torn Syria in Eastern Ghouta, a suburb of Damascus. Although he has always felt safe in his father's shop, life changes dramatically when Assad's soldiers march in with their threats and terror-filled searches. Children grew up very fast in the midst of the Assad regime. At 13, Muhammad had lost his father to a bombing while he was praying, and his family was reeling from that loss. When they also lost their home and so much else of importance, Muhammad looked for a way to inspire himself to keep going.
He found that inspiration when he interviewed children about the war, and posted it to social media so the world would know the real story. Would their story encourage people around the world to support the Syrian people?
Yes, he was afraid. Yes, he was warned of reprisal from the government. Yes, he was brave enough to keep reporting. Eventually, at 15, he got the attention of Nora Neus, a CNN reporter who helped him write this book to tell his story.
A normal, happy life was turned upside down because of war and governmental conflict. The people of Syria lived through great loss, poverty, and terror on a daily basis. Expressive artwork allows a clear look for readers at all the important moments for Muhammad and his family. Heartbreak, accompanied by moments of warmth, humor, and love is evident. The conflict continues today for so many. Readers will begin to understand the struggle that forces so many Syrian people to try to find a safe path to a new and happier life.
Appended author notes and photographs bring the story into the present.
https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2018/02/21/eastern-ghouta-syria-15-year-old-boy-lon-orig.cnn
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