Of Beetles & Angels: A Boy's Remarkable Journey from a Refugee Camp to Harvard

Read the remarkable true story of a young boy's journey from civil war in east Africa to a refugee camp in Sudan, to a childhood on welfare in an affluent American suburb, and eventually to a full-tuition scholarship at Harvard University.

Following his father's advice to "treat all people-even the most unsightly beetles-as though they were angels sent from heaven," Mawi overcomes the challenges of language barriers, cultural differences, racial prejudice, and financial disadvantage to build a fulfilling, successful life for himself in his new home.

Of Beetles and Angels is at once a harrowing survival story and a compelling examination of the refugee experience. With hundreds of thousands of copies sold since its initial publication, and as a frequent selection as one book/one school/one community reads, this unforgettable memoir continues to touch and inspire readers. This special expanded fifteenth anniversary edition includes a new introduction and afterword from the author, a discussion guide, and more.

Author: Mawi Asgedom
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 09/01/2002
Pages: 176
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.37lbs
Size: 8.42h x 5.54w x 0.47d
ISBN: 9780316826204
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.9
Point Value: 4
Interest Level: Middle Grade Plus
Quiz #/Name: 133980 / Of Beetles and Angels: A Boy's Remarkable Journey from a Refugee Camp to Harvard


Review Citation(s):
Booksense '76 Childrens Fall02 08/01/2002 pg. 1
Kirkus Review - Children 08/15/2002 pg. 1214
PW Notes and Reprints 09/02/2002 pg. 79
Voice of Youth Advocates 10/01/2002 pg. 300
Black Issues Book Review 11/01/2002 pg. 51
Kliatt 11/01/2002 pg. 29
Publishers Weekly 09/03/2002

About the Author
Mawi Asgedom graduated from Harvard University and delivered the commencement address at his graduation in 1999. Now 25 years old, he is a successful inspirational speaker for students, community groups, and businesses.