Another book about a person from the "white" side of town, befriending someone who has been a refugee. In this case, it is Stevie, who is battling her own problems with a depressed mother who doesn't feed or clothe her after her husband's death, and has to try and hide what is happening from nosy teachers, as well as being a bit of a loner, rebel who loves old 20th Century music. The boy is Hafiz who is a recent refugee from Syria and new in Stevie's class and has to endure racist and ignorant taunts about "going back to where he came from". When it all gets too much for him, he runs away from school. Stevie sees him leaving and follows and the two spend a wonderful day together at the beach ( which Hafiz is normally terrified of visiting.) The two become great friends until one of the popular girls notices Stevie's shirt. Stevie actually took this from lost property because her other shirt was too small. Now mortified that Hafiz will think she is a thief, it is Stevie's turn to flee.

Liked how the chapters are really short and alternate between the 2 characters keeping the same timeline. Lovely side characters who help both Stevie and Hafiz out, and like the narrative of Hafiz's dad asking him to "find his story".
One for kids who like music also. ( )