The Red Pencil
Written by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Illustrated by Shane Evans
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
“Amira, look at me,” Muma insists. She collects both my hands in hers. “The Janjaweed attack without warning. If ever they come– run.” Finally, 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 to find the strength to make the long journey– on foot– to safety at a refugee camp. Her days are tough at the camp, until the gift of a simple red pencil opens her mind– and all kinds of possibilities. New York Times bestselling and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Andrea Davis Pinkney’s powerful verse and Coretta Scott King Award-winning artist Shane W. Evans’s breathtaking illustrations combine to tell an inspiring tale of one girl’s triumph against all odds.
Primary ISBN: 9780316247801
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
Chapter Book, Age 09 or older
Community Represented: Sudanese/Sudanese American
Themes: Audiobook, Education & Literacy, Family Relationship: Parents, Human Rights Violation: Genocide, Loss of Childhood, Refugee Camp, Refugee Journey, Refugee: Persecution, Refugee: War/Conflict, The Arts, Trauma & Healing: Death of Family or Friend
Setting: Sudan
Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: Refugee
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