Holiday House
128 Pages
ISBN: 978-0823434275

"Every middle-schooler (and you too) should read this novel."
— Bangor Daily News, Reading Maine

"Kiki and Jacques is a book that many different students are going to love reading for many
different reasons.

It is a book for sports lovers, realistic fiction fans, and students who want to learn about something and make a difference. It is a great book for classroom libraries." — Unleashing Readers Blog

Twelve-year-old Jacques's mother has passed away, his father is jobless and drinking again and his grandmother's bridal store is on the verge of going out of business. Plus he's under pressure from an older boy to join in some illegal activities. At least Jacques can look forward to the soccer season. After all, he's a shoe-in for captain.

But the arrival of Somali refugees shakes up nearly everything in Jacques's Maine town, including the soccer team. So Jacques is surprised to find himself becoming friends with Kiki, a cheerful and strong-minded Somali immigrant. Despite their many differences they are able to help one another triumph over problems with friends, family and growing up.