by Reina Chaiekh | Feb 27, 2026
Read aloud the author’s dedication on page 5 and this ironic description of Parvana from page 7: “She was ashamed of herself for getting caught up in a stupid dream, as though she were still a child.” Talk with students about the novel’s theme of children having to...
by Reina Chaiekh | Feb 27, 2026
Post a large sheet of kraft paper on a wall in the classroom as a “Graffiti Board” for students’ responses to the novel. Invite them to write their thoughts about the book, favorite quotations, sketches of characters and settings, new words they learned, what they...
by Reina Chaiekh | Feb 26, 2026
Organize groups of students to research historical and political events that the novel introduces, (e.g., the Taliban takeover in 1996; the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S.; the invasion of Afghanistan after September 11; the ongoing fighting among regional...
by Reina Chaiekh | Feb 26, 2026
Parvana jokingly says that the only thing she would ever torture someone for is the answer to “Where is the key to the library?” (page 84). Talk with students about the novel’s theme of the importance of reading, and invite them to find other examples in the book that...
by Reina Chaiekh | Feb 26, 2026
Ask students to work in groups to research people and organizations that work to improve the lives of Afghan citizens. They can post written reports and include photos to create a Wall of Achievement (see page 42). Be sure to check the websites first to ensure...
