Thirteen-year-old Rabia, along with her mother and younger brother, flees Afghanistan and the brutal Taliban for Pakistan. Some months later, they take part in a program that is relocating refugee widows and orphans to America. However, their flight falls on the fateful morning of 9/11. After the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City, their plane is diverted to Gander, Newfoundland. Also on the plane is a boy named Colin, who struggles with his prejudices against Rabia and her family after they are all stuck in Gander. The people in the small community open their hearts and their homes to the stranded passengers, and their kindness might be the bridge to bring Rabia and Colin's families together.
"Part refugee story, part 9/11 remembrance, this is a welcome addition to a small shelf."
– Kirkus Reviews
"These youngsters are all engaging characters, and readers will be drawn into their stories, truly caring about them and their problems, and seeing how easily negative prejudices are formed and how much it takes to overcome them. A Long Way From Home is a good story and a fine addition to the growing collection of September 11 novels...Recommended."
– CM Magazine
"The narrative is compelling, and readers will find themselves rooting for Rabia's life to take a happier turn. This novel helps broaden the experiences covered in the small coterie of 9/11 books and will appeal to readers looking for information about that event, as well as those interested in books that include a South Asian voice."
– School Library Journal
"Walsh has created real characters, places and situations that are all reachable and believable by the reader. Her tone and development of plot illustrate care and kindness and will attract empathetic readers. I would highly recommend this book to young readers, and to many classroom teachers for it's many cross-curricular links and for it's historical subject matter."
– Resource Links
"Walsh provides young readers with a timely tale that helps to put a very real and human face on an event that shook all of North America...A thoughtful and compelling narrative that will give children much to think about."
– Atlantic Books Today
Hackmatack English Fiction nominee | 2013 | Short-listed
