Adem and The Magic Fenjer: a moving story about refugee families (1) (Mighty Balkan Kids)

Adem and The Magic Fenjer: a moving story about refugee families (1) (Mighty Balkan Kids)

Adem brings up the question: "How come no one else at school eats burek mama?"  His mom, a refugee immigrant to the United States, takes him on a magical adventure and tells him about the beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. She tells him what made her leave Bosnia and how she came to the United States as a young child herself. Through the story, she shares with him some vital information and helps him answer why his family knows about burek. This story is designed to educate young readers and their parents about the Bosnian-American story. The pages will take the readers on a connection and emotional regulation journey. It is a beautiful story to include in diversifying the bookshelf and including refugee immigrants into the familiar American story. A psychotherapist wrote the book intending to connect Bosnian-American children to their history and educate others about the important stories we do not hear about often. This story belongs to me and to thousands of Bosnian children who were forced to leave their homes because of war and genocide. This story is about how my inner child remembers a terrifying period of my life. I was six years old when the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina started. I lived through the siege of Sarajevo and was just nine years old when I left Bosnia with my mother and little brother. We escaped the city of Sarajevo through the Tunnel of Hope. I wrote this story from a child's perspective to help parents relate to their children through the voice of their inner child.    What inspired me to write this story was the birth of my son, Adem. I searched for books to tell him about his roots. No matter how hard I searched, I found nothing relatable to my Bosnian-American immigrant story. I realized that to tell him where he comes from, I needed to tell him why we don't live in Bosnia anymore. This realization inspired me to write a book where other parents with a similar story can open a brave conversation with their children and educate them on an important and courageous story.    This story was born out of love and bravery. This story represents courage, affection, and connection. This story is meant to open up brave conversations for parents and children. It is meant to inspire awareness and bring closeness. It is meant to keep the brave stories of our parents and grandparents alive.    To my fellow Bosnian child immigrants, I hope this story reminds you how courageous and strong you are. I hope Adem and the Magic Fenjer inspires you to tell your story with so much love and valiance. I hope it opens a door for you to have a brave conversation with your child and grow stronger in your relationship with them.   To the friends of all the Bosnian-American children, I hope this story helps you understand how brave your friend is and how incredible it is to have them in your life. I hope this story brings up a loving and courageous conversation where you will listen with your heart and love for them.    To the teachers of all the Bosnian-American children, I hope this story brings you a newfound love and appreciation for your amazing student. Our story is not heard often, but our story needs to be heard far and wide. I hope this story brings you awareness and the courage to see your Bosnian-American students and their families through love, hope, and the strength they come from.    With Love, Selma Ms. Selma Bacevac is the author of "Adem and The Magic Fenjer" and lives in the State of Florida. For over ten years, she has helped thousands of parents heal from trauma and connect with their children through their shared experiences. Ms. Bacevac has written the aforementioned book with the intention of connecting Bosnian-American children to their history and culture. Sometimes, the important stories that are shared from person-to-person are what breed a greater understanding and dispel feelings of loneliness. It is Ms. Bacevac's mission to help people with their personal struggles and the difficulties they face in their relationships. Selma loves to read and spend time with her family. The outdoors is her space for reflection, healing, and re-energizing. Neira Pekmez is a first-generation immigrant from Bosnia with a great love for children's books, yoga, and traveling. She is a freelance illustrator and currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two fur babies.