The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Dassu, A. M. Boy, Everywhere. Old Barn Books Ltd., 2020.

A. M. Dassu's young adult novel Boy, Everywhere is written from the main character Sami's first person point of view and told in the past tense. Beginning in Damascus, Syria and ending in Manchester, England, the novel traces Sami and his family's journey away from their home country in pursuit of safety. The following summary abides by a linear mode of explanation.

Sami's eighth grade class was dismissed early one day after the Cham City Center Mall in Damascus was bombed by rebels. Although Sami and his best friend Joseph knew their country had been torn apart by war throughout recent years, they never believed the fighting would enter their city walls. Sami was also horrified when he realized that Mama and his sister Sara were at the mall at the time of the incident.

Sami's father, or Baba, called Sami at Joseph's house to say that Mama and Sara were in the hospital, but recovering. Once the family was reunited at home, Sami discovered that five-year-old Sara had not talked since the bombing. He blamed himself for endangering his family, as he had begged Mama to pick up his football shoes that morning.

A few days after the bombing, Mama informed Sami that she and Baba had decided to leave Syria. Sami burst out in frustration. He could not believe his parents would take him away from his home. Mama explained that the fighting in Damascus would only get worse. Furthermore, they needed to find help for Sara, and fleeing to England might offer them this opportunity. Although devastated to leave his home, city, friends, and country, Sami told himself to be strong for his sister.

Within the first few days of their journey, Sami's family reached Istanbul, Turkey. They spent several nights hiding in cramped quarters with groups of other migrants and refugees. Although Sami was disoriented, sad, and confused, he was glad to listen to the other travelers' stories. He felt especially connected to a young man named Aadam. Over the following days, Sami and Aadam began to develop a friendship. Sami tried convincing Baba to take Aadam with them to England, but Baba insisted it was impossible.

Sami and his family boarded a boat to Greece. Because boats and water were Sami's worst fears, he was convinced he would not survive the journey. In order to distract himself, he focused on memories of Joseph. He had not gotten to say goodbye and hoped Joseph understood.

Shortly after arriving in Greece, Sami's family secured fake passports for themselves. As they worked their way through security at the airport, Sami was nervous. He therefore felt relieved when their plane finally took off for England. Although he had not wanted to leave Damascus, he hoped Manchester would finally give his family the peace and safety they needed.

At customs in England, Baba told the agents that he and his family had fled Syria and were seeking asylum. The agents informed Baba that they would be arrested for entering the country illegally. They would have to stay in a detention center until their case was processed. If their reasons for leaving Syria were found to be legitimate, they would receive refugee status in England.

Sami's family's time in the detention center was entrapping and traumatizing. At times, Sami did not think they would survive. Once they were finally released, Sami was relieved and hopeful. He and his family would be staying with friends of his grandmother's: Muhammad and his family.

Life at Muhammad's house soon proved hostile and unwelcoming. Although Muhammad was kind and generous, his wife Fatimah and son Hassan were xenophobic. Sami decided he could not live this way much longer. He had to return to Syria.

Meanwhile, Sami started school in Manchester. Because he was making plans to flee England, he had no interest in making new friends. Even still, a classmate named Ali was kind and sympathetic to Sami. Sami liked him, but was afraid of getting attached. Then, while out for burgers with Ali one night, Sami was shocked to run into Aadam. Although he knew how Fatimah would react, Sami brought Aadam home. Furious, Fatimah kicked out Sami's family. They were forced to spend several nights in a homeless shelter as a result. Sami blamed himself for ruining his family's life. He had to leave England.

When Ali and Aadam realized Sami had run off, they chased him to the airport. They stopped him from boarding a plane to Syria illegally. The friends informed Sami that his family had just received official refugee status. They reminded him he was loved and needed. Sami realized they might be right.

Over the following weeks, Sami's circumstances improved. His father found work. His family got their own apartment. Sara showed signs of recovering. Meanwhile, Sami reconnected with Joseph. In his messages to his old friend, Sami began reflecting on all he had learned.