Outcasts United

Outcasts United: The Story of a Refugee Soccer Team That Changed a Town

by Warren St. John

Another story that falls into the genre of memoirs, this one about refugees coming to the US. Warren St. John, a NY Times investigative journalist, is the author of Outcasts United: The Story of a Refugee Soccer Team That Changed a Town. St. John’s work captures the story of a young woman, Luma al-Mafleh, born into an affluent family in Jordan, leaving to attend Smith College.  After a series of failed business attempts and lack of clarity for her career, she finds joy in volunteering as a coach for youth soccer.  Luma had played Division 1 soccer in college and her skills set her up to be a successful coach.  After college, she relocates to Atlanta and finds a fledging town - Clarkston, Georgia - that is home to a diverse set of refugee families from around the world.  St. John’s book follows the kids, the families and the work of Luma to get the most she can out of the three teams she coaches, but there are many bumps in the road.  This true-life story is uplifting during a time where immigrants to the US are challenged more and more every day.  Luma’s success has provided guidance and support to the single-mothers & children whose first language is not English.  This is a feel-good story and worth a read.  It is a quick, rich story!