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May 25, 2018savtadina rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
This is an extremely powerful novel written for middle schoolers about the situation in Afghanistan under the Taliban rule. I think it is important for youth to read but also I suggest that parents or teachers help anyone reading it as parts can be extremely shocking. The book clearly depicts the situation of an 11 year old girl who has grown up in a middle-class, educated family where the parents believe education for their daughters is very important. When the Taliban took over, girls were forbidden to attend school and women had to be totally covered with burkas when going outside and only out escorted by a male member of the family. This family has had to move several times to smaller and smaller places as their residences get bombed and they lose their possessions. Finally they live in just one room in a partially bombed building. When the father is falsely arrested and the only male in the family is a toddler, something has to be done so the family does not starve. This is a powerful book, the first is a trilogy and would inspire a lot of discussion.