Abdi's family, of Somalia's Rahanweyn clan, lived a content, nomadic life before a drought in the 1970s forced his parents to the city of Mogadishu. When Abdi was six, a short war with Ethiopia followed by a tribal civil war brought utter devastation. Abdi's infant sister died of starvation, while Abdi spent his childhood days looking for ways to earn money to buy food for his family. He hated school, where he was beaten if he failed to memorize passages of the Quran, and loved American movies-watched at night on a neighbor's tiny tv. His love for Black American culture and music earned him the nickname "Abdi American." As a young adult he met an American journalist and began recording a "diary" for an NPR program. This led to an American woman organizing "Team Abdi" to help him fulfill his dream of immigrating to the United States. Still, it took years, incredible determination, and luck to finally get a U.S. visa. In Maine, living with his generous sponsor, life was better but not easy; Abdi faced racism that he likened to the tribalism of Somalia. Abdi's compelling account is an incredibly balanced perspective -he never makes sweeping generalizations about anyone or anything-in a memoir revealing how difficult it can be to enter the United States. (Age 12 and older)

Adapted from the adult memoir, this gripping and acclaimed story follows one boy's journey into young adulthood, against the backdrop of civil war and his ultimate immigration to America, in search of a better life.

In Somalia, Abdi Nor Iftin grew up amidst a blend of cultures. His mother entertained him with vivid folktales and bold stories about her rural, nomadic upbrinding. As he grew older, he spent his days following his father, a basketball player, through the bustling street of the capital city of Mogadishu.

But when the threat of civil war reached Abdi's doorstep, his family was forced to flee to safety. Through the turbulent years of war, young Abdi found solace in popular American music and films. Nicknamed Abdi the American, he developed a proficiency for English that connected him--and his story--with news outlets and radio shows, and eventually gave him a shot at winning the annual U.S. visa lottery.

Abdi shares every part of his journey, and his courageous account reminds readers that everyone deserves the chance to build a brighter future for themselves.

Four Starred Reviews!

. . . devastating, inspiring, and ultimately hopeful. --SLJ, Starred Review

An absolutely stunning survival story . . . --Booklist, Starred Review

. . .facilitates a deeper understanding of immigration today. --Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

. . . genuinely suspenseful. --Bulletin, Starred Review