... 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.
... moving ... Mufleh makes her book debut with an absorbing account of her journey from a Jordanian immigrant to an influential educational leader and activist ... Besides offering vivid portraits of refugee families, the author engenders empathy in readers by asking them to imagine themselves in a frightening scenario: caught in violent conflict, fleeing with children, wrenched from home and community, and interred in a refugee camp, facing an inhumane immigration system 'that assumes victims of war and atrocities are liars.' ... An impassioned, penetrating critique and inspiring model for progress.
... magnificent ... Most inspiring, though, is the powerful conviction with which Mufleh writes about supporting those, who, like her, are still fighting for their American dream ... Readers will be stunned.
