“Our middle school library hosted Nora Neus for four days. It was a huge success. All students attended two of Nora’s sessions. . . [and her] activities linked to what was happening in each classroom. . . Additionally, she’s a natural teacher and was able to connect with one and all. Ultimately, she was another piece in our puzzle, our globally minded, diverse community. Great value to our school year.” — American School of The Hague, 2024
“Graphic novels are one of our most popular collections at my library and the interest is still growing. Nora’s recent visit will no doubt fuel that interest and encourage parents to realize the very real value in this literary format. Her presentation kept a room full of middle graders’ attention as she shared her personal experiences writing, but it was more than that. She was able to connect with the kids and took the time during the writing exercise to do it alongside them. The best part? She loves what she does and she genuinely likes kids. It shows, they can tell and absolutely respond to it.” — Latricia Markle, Children’s Librarian Tenafly Public Library
“I really was interested in what you were talking about. You are such an interesting person, and I would love to learn more about journalism.” — Isabelle, 9th grader, New Jersey
“I just just wanted to say that I loved your presentation this morning. My students really enjoyed your talk today too, they all talked about it afterwards. Definitely not boring, so thank you for that– could have gone either way for a Friday morning assembly!” — Ava, high school teacher, New Jersey
“What a great event you created this afternoon! Thank you so much from everyone at PCAT for allowing us to gain more insight into the incredible story of Muhammad Najem and his reporting and the part that you had to play in it all. It was so good to hear about the process of creating the book and all the personal dimensions to it as well as the political background and harsh realities.” — Rev. Dr. Martin Ritchie, First Presbyterian Church at Tenafly
“A riveting account of the human consequences of the violent 2017 Unite the Right rally . . Gripping . . . A major addition to our understanding of right-wing terrorism.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred), 24 Hours in Charlottesville: An Oral History of August 12, 2017
“A riveting minute by minute account of a day that shocked the world. Nora Neus reveals new details and insight about what really happened in those 24 hours in Charlottesville in 2017. It is well worth reading.” — Anderson Cooper, 24 Hours in Charlottesville: An Oral History of August 12, 2017
“Nora Neus has given us a grand gift: the definitive inside story of the historic Charlottesville neo-fascist event in August 2017! We have yet to emerge from under its ominous shadows.” — Cornel West, Union Theological Seminary, 24 Hours in Charlottesville: An Oral History of August 12, 2017
“A story of journalism at its most inspiring, its most heartbreaking, its most essential. Muhammad is a reporter who brings hope to a damaged world.” — John Berman, CNN anchor
“Najem, Neus, and Robine put the graphic format to powerful use to depict the devastation of the Assad regime in Syria through the eyes of young Najem…The power of graphic nonfiction is on fully display here. Highly recommended.” — School Library Journal, starred review
“Najem and Neus ground this gripping narrative, told with great immediacy, in the teen’s close-knit family.” — Horn Book, starred review
“Readers will find this a valuable window into the struggle, resistance, and humanity of the Syrian people during this ongoing crisis. Informative, gripping, and humanizing.” — Kirkus Reviews
“With expressive full-color illustrations, a moving and powerful narrative that features moments of loss as well as love, and powerful message about resistance and the capabilities of youth, this memoir stands out, and it does an excellent job of providing middle-grade readers with an illuminating window into the complex ongoing crisis.” — Booklist
“A beautiful book about an incredible boy. In telling Muhammad’s story, Neus simultaneously captures the extraordinary sincerity and courage of so many young Syrians, against the backdrop of a hideous war. Children everywhere should read this inspiring book.” — Clarissa Ward, CNN Chief International Correspondent
