Makeen’s Journey Forward is a story about a family that fled their home country of Ethiopia. Before they came to the United States, Makeen learned many skills during his life in a sometimes-dangerous Kenyan refugee camp. When he moves with his mother to Denver, some of Makeen’s skills help him make friends and do well in school, but others get him into trouble. This is the story of Makeen, his mother, and his uncle, who become a family as Makeen discovers how to move forward in his life.

The MICHIGAN Stories for Newcomers are original fiction written for adult English learners who wish to improve their reading and English skills.