Of Beetles and Angels: A Boy's Remarkable Journey from a Refugee Camp to Harvard

The remarkable true story of a young boy’s journey from east African civil war to a full-tuition scholarship at Harvard University.

“A wonderful tribute to the unsung heroism of countless refugee families. . . . The most inspiring story I have read in recent years.” —Hayelom Ayele, Director/Community Liaison, City of Chicago Council on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

The desert, I remember. The shrieking hyenas, I remember. . . . I remember playing soccer with rocks, and a strange man telling me and my brother Tewolde that we had to go on a trip and Tewolde refusing to go. The man took out a piece of a gum and Tewolde happily traded it for his homeland. . . .

So begins this unforgettable true story of a young boy’s remarkable 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 racial prejudice, language barriers, and financial disadvantage to build a fulfilling, successful life for himself in his new home. Of Bettles and Angels is at once a compelling survival story and an inspiring model for anyone hoping to experience the American dream.

This special expanded fifteenth anniversary edition includes a new introduction and afterword from the author, a discussion guide, and more.

“Wry and tender. . . . What stays with you is the quiet, honest drama of a family’s heartrending journey.” —Booklist

“Asgedom stands as an exemplar of the strength of the human spirit.” —Harry Lewis, Dean of the College, Harvard University

“I am truly awed by Mawi’s strength and conviction.” —Charlie Trotter, Chef/Author

© 2024 Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (Ebook): 9780316048224

Release date

Ebook: 24 September 2024