Amira is twelve. Old enough to wear a toob, old enough for new responsibilities. And maybe old enough to go to school in Nyala-- Amira's one true dream. But life in her peaceful Sudanese village is shattered when the Janjaweed arrive. The terrifying attackers ravage the town and unleash unspeakable horrors. After she loses nearly everything, Amira needs to dig deep within herself... Her days are tough at the camp, until the gift of a…
4.4Overall Score
The Red Pencil
Reader's Review A heartfelt and moving account of a young girl's struggle to survive after her village and everything she loves is destroyed. A gift of a red pencil and learning to read ...
Reader’s Review
A heartfelt and moving account of a young girl’s struggle to survive after her village and everything she loves is destroyed. A gift of a red pencil and learning to read becomes her way out. Written in verse, the language is simple but the themes may be mature for young and sensitive readers.
To look out for
- Islamic Values: Amira’s mother is adamant that girls should not learn to read and write, and that education is useless for women. Amira’s perspective of marriage is negative, especially when she sees a girl not much older than her married to a much older man.
- Romance: A girl not much older than Amira is married, her husband does not treat her well, she must wash his underpants in public. Soon she becomes pregnant.
- Violence: The Janjaweed come and destroy Amira’s village, burning her farm animals and killing her father. Her friend Gamal is burned but escapes the fire. Both kids are traumatized by the violence.
Purchase on: Amazon
