... describes how Mufleh herself 'learned America.' She writes vividly about her childhood in Jordan, noting the influence of “artifacts from the West” like Motown records and Archie comics. Most influential of all, however, was the movie '9 to 5,' whose depiction of unapologetically strong women inspired her. Decades later, Mufleh herself is an inspiration.
Mufleh, an award-winning educator, combines her unique personal story with the astonishing narrative of how she built a successful school network for refugees in the United States, first in Georgia, then in Ohio ... Mufleh’s book works well as a vivid tale of the author’s personal growth—from coaching a diverse group of children and understanding their needs, to building the school that allows them to thrive ... This is a beautifully written memoir of one woman’s commitment to equality and respect for displaced people in the United States; her schools’ achievements are impressive evidence. Highly recommended.
Mufleh recounts her own challenges as a refugee, which involved coming out to her family and navigating life in the U.S. on her own. But she focuses mainly on her students, painting vivid portraits of their gifts, quirks and the steep obstacles their families faced ... Powerful and thought-provoking, Learning America is an inspiring story of creativity and resilience, and a clarion call to rethink education for young refugees and immigrants.
