For Perfect Picture Book Fridays, I've chosen Nasreen's Secret School A True Story from Afghanistan.
Nasreen's Secret School A True Story from Afghanistan
Written and Illustrated By Jeanette Winter
Beach Lane Books, 2009
Suitable for: Ages 6-9
Theme/Topic: Girls, Education, Loss
Opening: My granddaughter, Nasreen, lives with me in Herat, an ancient city in Afghanistan.
Art and music and learning once flourished here.
Brief Synopsis:
Young Nasreen has not spoken a word to anyone since her parents disappeared.
In despair, her grandmother risks everything to enroll Nasreen in a secret school for girls. Will a devoted teacher, a new friend, and the worlds she discovers in books be enough to draw Nasreen out of her shell of sadness?
Based on a true story from Afghanistan, this inspiring book will touch readers deeply as it affirms both the life-changing power of education and the healing power of love. — Amazon.com book description.
Why I chose this book: I wanted to read The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq after reading Patricia's review on Children's Books Heal. My library didn't have The Librarian of Basra, but had Nasreen's Secret School and a few others by Jeanette Winter. So, I loaded up my digital hold list and waited. I wasn't disappointed with the story. Stories like this make me ask myself: Would I have the courage to do this? I hope the answer would be yes, but I also hope I never have to find out.
To find more picture books and resources, please visit Susanna Leonard Hill's blog and look for the Perfect Picture Books page.
Posts
I read an article about a school teacher in Afghanistan that was killed because he allowed girls in the school. It is hard for me to think that this happens. It is good people know about it.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that these stories do get out now, thanks for sharing Stacy!
ReplyDeleteWhat an opening! All kids need to read this book, Stac. Great addition woman! (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteOh, Stacy, I have put this high up the top on my TBR list. What a fabulous recommendation for us.
ReplyDeleteWhat a moving and powerful story this sounds to be. Thank you for sharing it with us! (And thank you for sharing your powerfully moving memoir excerpts with us as well.)
ReplyDeleteStacy, you don't know how close I came to reviewing this one. But, I'm glad that you did. I love Jeanette Winter has become a favorites. This is a wonderful story! Thanks for the mention.
ReplyDeleteGreat recommendation. I always loved reading about brave people in far away places when I was a kid. Makes the world feel a little smaller.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds great. We did check out The Librarian of Basra last week after Pat's post and my kids were fascinated. I know they would love this one, too. Thanks, Stacy!
ReplyDeleteExcellent recommendation, Stacy! I'll be getting hold of a copy to read to my boys.
ReplyDeleteHi there Stacy, I love it when our book searches lead us to even more books and great discoveries such as this one. I have always been fascinated by picture books that depict different cultures and different realities. Will definitely pin this one. :)
ReplyDeleteStacy, this looks like a great story. Growing up, my mother used to remind me and my sister that people died so we could be free. I'd love to read this to my daughter (who's 10) so she can begin to understand how fortunate we are to live here where girls receive the same education as boys. Especially when she's complaining about math. :)
ReplyDeleteA2ZMommy and What’s In Between
Wow, I didn't realize Jeannette Winter had written another book about Afghanistan. Thanks for finding this one Stacy.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful, touching story. Thanks for adding it.
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