Ellis (Looking for X) bases her contemporary novel on refugee stories about the oppressive rule of Afghanistan by the Taliban. Eleven-year-old Parvana must masquerade as a boy to gain access to the outside world and support her dwindling family. Parvana's brother was killed years earlier by a land mine explosion and, for much of the story, her father is imprisoned, leaving only her mother, older sister and two very young siblings. The Taliban laws require women to sheathe themselves fully and ban girls from attending school or going out unescorted; thus, Parvana's disguise provides her a measure of freedom and the means to support her family by providing a reading service for illiterates. There are some sympathetic moments, as when Parvana sees the effect on her mother when she wears her dead brother's clothes and realizes, while reading a letter for a recently widowed Taliban soldier, that even the enemy can have feelings. However, the story's tensions sometimes seem forced (e.g., Parvana's own fear of stepping on land mines). In addition, the narrative voice often feels removed "After the Soviets left, the people who had been shooting at the Soviets decided they wanted to keep shooting at something, so they shot at each other" taking on a tone more akin to a disquisition than compelling fiction. However, the topical issues introduced, coupled with this strong heroine, will make this novel of interest to many conscientious teens. Ages 10-12. (Apr.) FYI: All royalties from the sale of the book will be donated to Women for Women in Afghanistan, dedicated to the education of Afghan girls in refugee camps in Pakistan. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
For more than twenty years our country has celebrated March as Women’s History Month. It is a time to highlight the contributions notable women have made to our society throughout history. From extraordinary achievements underground to amazing feats in the air, women have been a powerful source of creativity, science, change, and growth. Celebrate the ways […]
Contemporary children’s literature is filled with colorful female characters who have all kinds of memorable experiences, but it takes a special breed to achieve heroine status. These six awe-inspiring girls hail from different countries, time periods, and cultural contexts. Some battle dark wizards or survive alone in the wild, while others overcome devastating personal tragedies. […]