Chapter 1: What is the Taliban?

What did you already know about the Taliban before reading this chapter? What did you learn about them while reading this chapter?

Chapter 1: The Setting

The first two novels and the fourth novel in the series take place in Afghanistan. What is the setting of this novel?

Chapter 1: Who is Shauzia?

Skim the chapter and brainstorm a list of everything you learn about Shauzia. What do you think of her so far?

Vocabulary

While reading the book aloud to the class, have students identify unfamiliar and interesting words to create a vocabulary list. Define the words as a class using an array of strategies to determine meaning, including context, accompanying illustrations in the story...