Of Beetles and Angels Audiobook By Mawi Asgedom cover art

Of Beetles and Angels

A Boy's Remarkable Journey from a Refugee Camp to Harvard

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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. Biographies Cultural Heritage Growing Up & Facts of Life Social & Life Skills Refugee Africa

Critic reviews

"A moving memoir." * Chicago Tribune

"An amazing story." * Oprah Winfrey

"His simple lyrical narrative, both wry and tender, stays true to the child's viewpoint as he grows up...What stays with you is the quiet, honest drama of a family's heartrending journey."
*Booklist

"This earnest account of his life up to his graduation from Harvard is peppered with powerful moments."
*Publishers Weekly

A BookSense '76 pick

Featured Article: Honoring the Courage and Heart of Displaced Peoples on World Refugee Day


World Refugee Day is a time to celebrate the bravery and strength of those who have had to flee their homes in search of protection. But it's also a day of empathy, of understanding, and of listening, so that we may hear the stories of refugees and the struggles they've had to endure. This collection of biographies and memoirs written by and about refugees offers a window into their lived experiences and an invitation to a greater sense of compassion.

Featured Article Honoring the Courage and Heart of Displaced Peoples on World Refugee Day
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Mawi is an amazing man! His story of going from a refugee camp to Harvard University in spectacular, incredible, and a true blessing. This story shows that ANY kid in America can go from being "bad" to a "good" kid if they put their mind to it.

Amazing, Encouraging, and Motivating Story

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Inspirational and captivating story of a beetle who became an angel. Inspired to read the rest of his books.

A must read for all teachers and students!

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I love this book and I enjoyed reading. I recommend anyone who interesting nonfiction books.

Best Book ever

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What a great book! So Inspiring. Would love to read more stories that share real life experiences with joy, grit and perseverance. This book is wonderful!! Can’t recommend it enough!

Inspiring

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Beautiful humanity and humility on display. Healing for our divided nation could come through listening to and reading this book.

Beautiful humanity and humility on display.

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