If you like multicultural children’s books, then I hope you are familiar with the books published by the Global Fund for Children. The Global Fund for Children recently discovered my review of their wonderful Global Babies board book and contacted me regarding a review of a brand new book, Nasreen’s Secret School.
I am very picky when it comes to requests to review books, most queries end up in my email trash. But I just knew that this book would be of great interest to us, and to many of you who read Unplug Your Kids, so I accepted this particular request. Soon I was sent a free review copy of Nasreen’s Secret School.
Nasreen’s Secret School by Jeanette Winter is subtitled “A True Story from Afghanistan.” It is published by Simon & Schuster for the Global Fund for Children. The author based this book on a story told to her by an organization supported by The Global Fund for Children that aided secret schools for girls during the reign of the Taliban (1996-2001).
This is the powerful tale of young Nasreen, a little Afghan girl who has not spoken since her parents’ disappearance. The narrator, Nasreen’s grandmother, is determined to get her out of the house and into school, but girls are not allowed to attend school in Afghanistan:
“The Taliban soldiers don’t want girls to learn about the world, the way Nasreen’s mama and I learned when we were girls.”
There were “whispers” about a secret school for girls behind a green gate. Nasreen and her veiled grandmother hurry down alleyways to towards the green gate, hoping not to be seen by soldiers (women were not allowed to leave the home without a male relative): “Please Allah, open her eyes to the world” prays her grandmother.
My 7 and 9 year-old loved this book and I still often come across them reading it and rereading it in quiet corners of the house. My daughter (age 9) said she liked that it was a true story and how it showed that not all children have the same life she does.
Although the book is written in a simple picture book format, it is recommended for ages 6 to 9. On every page you will find a vibrant acrylic illustration (also by Jeanette Winter) and just a few short sentences.
Despite its colorful picture book appearance, I would agree that this is not a book for very young or sensitive children due to the serious subject matter. Nasreen’s father is taken away by soldiers and her mother never returns home after going off to try and find him. Although mention of these events is brief, it could be distressing for littler ones.
The ultimate feel of the book though, is very uplifting. It celebrates the strength of ordinary people (particularly women) to overcome adversity and carry on. It is a wonderful lesson for older children in the value of education and how an education opens windows to the world, and that knowledge is always with you, “like a good friend.”
We also liked the tidbits of Afghan culture that are sprinkled throughout: Nasreen’s ancient city Herat was once a beautiful place where music and learning “flourished.” When a soldier demands to enter the school, he finds only a room full of girls reading the Koran, which is allowed (the girls hid their schoolwork). The women wear a burqa and are completely covered while out in the streets and the girls wear headscarves. This book offers lots to discuss and discover about Afghan culture, history and politics.
There is additional interesting information about Afghanistan in an author’s note. Teachers and parents might find it helpful as a starting point for teaching about modern Afghanistan.
Thumbs up from us for this beautiful and educational multicultural book!
LINKS:
Comments (8) 
Themocracy