Book excerpt: Meet Aila and Maryam, two best friends from Mosul, Iraq. When Aila's father decides it is time for their family to immigrate to the United States, Maryam is left behind to face the hardships in Mosul alone. In Messages From Maryam, the two friends exchange letters, detailing Aila's stay in a refugee camp, Maryam's fear of living in Iraq, and, ultimately, their joyous, yet unexpected reunion!