Story Synopsis

Malaki, a fourteen year old boy in the Darfur genocide tries to find freedom while going through the journey of a lifetime. He endures many challenges and tries to create much hope for him and his family. While trying to reach the turning point in his life he must walk many miles to reach his plane to a new life.
This young boy, Malaki, and his family after loosing their father realize that they must escape the horror. They decide that even though walking for so long is risky it is the only chance they have at freedom. While starving and no shelter they attempt to accomplish such a hard goal of reaching a sight that will take him and his family to the US.
Adiba the thirty-year-old mother of three, tries to provide what she can through the journey. She makes all their clothing but that is all she can provide. However her oldest daughter, Hanane, being the care taker she is, watches over her brothers while her mom is out doing her job. While their mother is out Fawzi, the eight-year-old brother, is the trouble maker of the house which makes it very hard on Hanane. Malaki and his friend Aziz are out being adventurous but still make time to be responsible.
Malaki's dad was shot while going to the market to buy food for the family. Malaki was devastated because he looked up to his dad as a role model. The family found out when their neighbor came and knocked on their door to tell them. This set the tone for the rest of their soon to be journey to freedom.
Before Malakis dad was shot his dad spent much of his time learning to cook. That formed a major part in his journey. During the years after his father died he helped the new chef in town prepare meals which in turn brought money into the household.
Malaki on his journey realizes that only the strong survive however, he doesn’t feel like all of his family is strong but he does feel he is. He goes through the hardships to get to the US and become the professional his father never was. He seeks the life that many of his fellow villagers want and don’t have. When so many family members are dying he pursues and accomplishes his lifelong goal, cooking.
While walking many miles his bare feet begin to blister but make him stronger
just like when his father and brother die in the middle of the walk, that makes him want to be the best he can be for his family. As he continues he grows up and matures in many ways. He gains desires and develops trust issues with his best friend. That happens because Aziz gives up and destroys his friendship by giving himself away to the Janjaweed. He joins to be safe from getting killed. His sister gets raped and feels a lot of mental pressure but perseveres and continues with Malaki and her mom on the journey.
When Malaki finally reaches the plane sight he starts crying because him, his sister, and mom all made it. They soon realize that his mother cannot continue because they are only taking people under the age of twenty-five. However, Malaki and Hanane decide to lie about their mothers age and say that she is their twenty-four year old sister.
Even though that was dangerous because the fear of the Janjaweed, they all get on the plane safely. However, when they get to the US they are split up amongst families and keep in touch. Malaki graduates from high school and is accepted to a great culinary arts school, his mother helps with a famous fashion designer and his sister graduates high school and three years later gets married.