Farah Rocks Florida

A review from my daughter Paige (13):Farah Hajjar, nicknamed by her friends Farah Rocks, has faced a tremendous change in her life. Her brother, Samir, has VSD, which means he was born with a hole in his heart. Her parents must always stay by his side during the surgery. So, they sent Farah to Florida to stay in a retirement condo with her strict grandmother (Sitti). Will Farah find a way to keep the worrying of her brother at bay?This book is the fourth in the series, and I still need to read the first three. Luckily, I could understand what was happening because it explained a little about Farah's world. I also learned about Farah's Arabic heritage.Her grandmother doesn't speak English, and Farah initially struggles with their differences. I could relate to Farah as my grandparents don't speak English, and I am concerned about when I will visit them this summer. I am trying my best to learn French; we will see.Farah is a greek mythology enthusiast (like me!). She is also a natural geologist interested in stones and geography. She is sweet and always eager to learn new things.I felt sorry for her little brother Samir and hoped he was feeling better.The theme of Farah Rocks: Florida is always to have hope. I recommend this book to people needing a story that inspires humor and hope, a profound adventure that will put a smile on your face.

I really enjoyed this book about Farah and her family as they struggle with her brother’s surgery.Farah sets out on an adventure, on her own experiencing a series of firsts. First airplane ride, first time at Grandma’s without the rest of the family.Farah struggles with her Grandma and their language differences. New friends are made and Farah is able to encourage her grandma to socialize with friends and take day trips. One girl was able to bring a senior’s community together and to appreciate each other’s talents, skills, and cultures.This was a beautifully written book and it brought a smile to my face and warmth in my heart!

Family, curiosity, science, more family, and more science. Farah's brother is ill, and her parents' send her to visit her grandmother. She learns new things, especially about rocks and Florida. And she learns more about the meaning of family.Such an enjoyable book. A book about a girl being treated in a positive way for learning science. And author, Susan Muaddi Darraj, includes many lessons in a very readable, fast-paced story with great characters throughout the story.I would definitely recommend this book to middle-grade readers.