The Sky at Our Feet

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

Readers are taken on a once-in-a lifetime excursion in Central Park through the first person voice of Jason Riazi. After American-born Jason learns that his Afghanistan Mother's visa expired and is living in the US illegally, he panics one day when he sees her being interviewed by men in suits at the laundromat. He rushes home, grabs money, a snack and his Aunt Seema's address in New York City and runs away from their New Jersey neighborhood. He gets himself to Penn Station, and then Jason faints and wakes up in the hospital. In his fear, he pretends to have amnesia. There he meets Max, a girl with her own secrets, who wants the chance to see the zoo in Central Park. They execute an escape plan and with na�ve bravado, they traverse New York City. Max has been waiting in the hospital for a surgery to help her epilepsy. Jason learns some of her fears and quick tips about helping her while they locate the zoo that he has to put to use when she does have a seizure on the sidewalk. Each child's adventure comes to an end safely, and their friendship endures beyond the ending of the story. A timely story that provides adventure, family, differences and a few helpful hints on how to help someone having a seizure.

Overall Book Score: excellent