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The Red Pencil

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About this listen

 "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. Fiction Geography & Cultures Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Discrimination Africa

Critic reviews

Praise for Andrea Davis Pinkney's Bird In A Box:
A Today show Al's Book Club for Kids pick!

* "The artfully orchestrated novel is related with grace, restraint and a wealth of historical detail."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Bird in a Box will break, heal, and then fill your heart, all in one reading."—Grace Lin, Newbery Honor author of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Praise for Shane Evans' Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom:
"The author's collaged nocturnal paintings shimmer with an arresting luminescence.... When the travelers at last lift a newborn baby to the rising sun, readers celebrate along with the protagonists."—School Library Journal
All stars
Most relevant
Reading in the form of a prose poem was different. The narrative is excellent. this book is a great way to open a discussion with western Girls about the value of their education and how lucky our hidden privilege makes us.

heartbreaking but inspirations gift.

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