The novel uses Alexa’s character to spread a message about the importance of compassion and empathy. Since Alexa is just nine years old, she has an innocent heart and a pure spirit. When she decides to become Ahmet’s friend and makes plans to help him reunite with his parents, she is prioritizing his needs rather than her own. She is acting out of a pure-hearted desire to be there for a peer whom she senses is alone, afraid, and powerless in an unfamiliar situation.

Alexa’s first-person point of view immerses the reader in the beauty and importance of showing compassion to others. The way that Alexa thinks about Ahmet and processes his situation in light of all she’s learning about the Syrian Civil War reflects her sympathy and willingness to embrace new people: “I wanted [Ahmet] to know that it didn’t matter if he was a Refugee Kid, whatever that meant. I still wanted to be his friend. I think he must have understood, because he gave me a nod that no one else could see” (31). At this point in the novel, Alexa doesn’t know much about Ahmet. However, she has overheard other people talking about him, spreading rumors about his past, and making judgments on his identity and situation. Instead of uncritically absorbing this information as truth, Alexa sets it aside and engages with Ahmet in a pure and more empathetic way.

Alexa also doesn’t intrude upon Ahmet’s space, but she does use her body language to convey compassion and empathy to Ahmet. The image of her smiling and nodding at Ahmet during his first few days in class shows Alexa’s attempt to connect with him in a way that feels safe for him. She’s aware that he’s still adjusting to his new life (which shows her sympathy for his experience) and is respectful of his boundaries. By behaving in this manner, Alexa helps Ahmet to feel welcome, seen, and understood.

Over time, Alexa’s kindness to Ahmet inspires a community of kindness around her. In one scene, Alexa remarks on her mom’s kindness to a rude shopkeeper; Mum explains that “you should never be horrible to someone who’s being horrible to you […] Otherwise they win by making you just as bad as them” (76). Alexa takes this lesson to heart and applies it to all of her relationships. She often gets upset when others are unkind to her, Ahmet, and her friends. However, instead of lashing out, Alexa tries to act and speak with compassion. Following this principle fosters safe spaces in the classroom, on the playground, and in the community.

The novel thus uses Alexa’s character as a model of human kindness; no matter how small the act of kindness, showing grace and warmth to others can combat wickedness or cruelty.