Words in the Dust
Written by Trent Reedy
Published by Arthur A. Levine Books
Zulaikha hopes. She hopes for peace, now that the Taliban have been driven from Afghanistan; a good relationship with her hard stepmother; and one day even to go to school, or to have her cleft palate fixed. Zulaikha knows all will be provided for her–“Inshallah,” God willing. Then she meets Meena, who offers to teach her the Afghan poetry she taught her late mother. And the Americans come to her village, promising not just new opportunities and dangers, but surgery to fix her face. These changes could mean a whole new life for Zulaikha–but can she dare to hope they’ll come true?
Primary ISBN: 9780545261258
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
Chapter Book, Age 09 or older
Community Represented: Afghan/Afghan American
Themes: Education & Literacy, Family Relationship: Parents
Setting: Afghanistan
Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: In Home Country
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