A Refugee Story of Hope and Resilience
Written by Jordan Scott & Jamal Saeed, Illustrated by Zahra Marwan
Beautifully illustrated story of a family that has to leave their home when war comes. The author and illustrator draw on their own personal experience as refugees.
This book will be a mirror for some students and hopefully a window of empathy for others. The illustrations are fabulous and open up more layers of meaning than the text alone.
The main story centers on a tree, planted the day the boy was born. When he asks his parents why he doesn’t have siblings, they tell him the tree is his sister. When they are forced to leave their home, he digs up the tree and brings it with them, a powerful symbol, if not very believable.
In a time when children may hear a lot about refugees and immigrants, this book tells the story with empathy and is an important addition to a library collection. This would make an excellent read aloud.
Reviewed by Megan Buhler, Librarian, Calvin Smith Elementary
Review shared in February 2026
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades K-5
My Sister the Apple Tree: A Refugee Story of Hope and Resilience
Written by Jordan Scott & Jamal Saeed, Illustrated by Zahra Marwan
Random House Studio
40 pages
Release Date: September 9, 2025
ISBN: 9780593808412
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
