Thirst by Varsha Bajaj

One of my friends asked me last week if I had read the Global Read Aloud section for this year- Thirst.  Since I've not read ANY  young adult books this summer, I thought I should probably pick it up.  

Thirst is a fairly easy read.  It is the story of Minni, a girl in grade 8 who lives in Mumbai.  Her family has very little money, but work very hard.  Each day, just getting water is an ordeal.  Her mother has to line up early in the morning in the hopes that she can get enough water to carry back home for her family.  There are times when there isn't enough water and there are thieves who steal the water and then sell it back to the community at a very high price.  One night, Minni sees this theft taking place which puts her and her family at risk.  As events play out, Minni begins to realize that in some homes in Mumbai, there is an abundance of water - in taps, toilets and even a swimming pool. Minni learns about how some people in some neighbourhoods don't warrant fresh running water, while others who can afford many luxuries, have water easily accessible.    

I enjoyed reading this story, I liked learning about life in Mumbai and it really made me think about water and how much of an impact not having it has on the people.  I can see late Junior classes really enjoying this story.  You can check out the Facebook group here for other classrooms reading this book in the Fall of 2022.

 

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

Last week I was talking with a few junior teachers about books to read with our students for the upcoming school year.  A Long Walk to Water came up as a great read, so I ordered it right away.

A Long Walk to Water is based on the true story of one of the Lost Boys of Sudan in 1985 coupled with a young girl's story in 2008.  Salva is an 11 year old boy at the start of the story, who is separated from his family when war comes to Sudan.  He is forced to walk across Africa in order to escape the war and look for safety.  Nya is a young girl who has to walk 8 hours each day in order to get water for her family.  Both stories share what it is like living in Sudan and trying to survive each day.

This book was a quick, but very informative read.  I can see teachers and students in grade 6 reading this story to learn about life in other parts of the world and what some children deal with.  I will be putting this in my 'Children Around the World' box for sure.

The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman

Last week I was talking with a few Junior teachers and we were talking about the Global Read Aloud project and the book selections. I did some searching and saw that The Bridge Home was the book for grade 6-8 students, so of course I ordered it right away. 

The Bridge Home is the story of two sisters, Viji and Rukku who have runaway from their home because their father beats them.  As they learn about what it means to live life on the street, they have to worry about food, shelter and staying safe from adults who want to hurt them.  Along the way, they meet Muthi and Arul, two boys who are also homeless.  The four kids form a family and work together to survive. 

This story was a simple story of life for homeless or poor children in India.  It will be interesting to see how students feel about this book.  The one part of this book that made me a little hesitant to share it with students was the references to Christianity and the Bible, I'm not sure how that will go over in a public school classroom.  I'd love to hear what others think about that. 

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed

Amal Unbound caught my attention when it was announced as one of the Global Read Aloud books for 2018.

Amal Unbound is the story of Amal- a 12 year old Pakistani girl who dreams of becoming a teacher.  She loves school and learning.  But when she insults a very important man who demands her punishment, Amal is taken away from every thing and everyone she loves.   As Amal learns to live in this new life, she meets new people and is exposed to life as a servant.  But Amal's love of learning helps her both navigate this tense situation, it also helps her make changes for her whole community.

Amal Unbound is a quick read- I read it in about an hour.  There is a lot to unpack in this book with kids.  I think it would make a great literature circle or read aloud.  If you are thinking about using this- you have to check out this hyperdoc about the unit.

Looking for X by Deborah Ellis

I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I have never read this book before. I love reading Deborah Ellis' books, but this one came out before I really started reading her books and somehow I've never gotten around to reading it.

I'm working on gathering up some books to use for literature circles in the next week and I want to expose students to some of the challenges children face- both in other countries and in our own backyard.

Looking for X tells the story of Khyber- an 11 year old girl living in a rough part of Toronto. Her single mother has all she can handle looking after her twin brothers with autism and Khyber has a great deal of responsibility on her shoulders. Khyber's life isn't an easy one. Her mother often has to choose between food and luxury items such as phone services and cable. Throughout the story, the love found in this family is very strong, and even though life is difficult, the family enjoys everything they have.

I think this book will really open the eyes of some of my students. They will be exposed to homelessness and what it is like to be poor. It is a short novel with lots of depth. I'm glad I finally got around to reading it!

Iqbal by Francesco D'Adamo

I've heard about Iqbal and his courageous fight to stop child labour through the Free the Children organization but I didn't know the whole story.
This fictional story looks at Iqbal's life from his days working in the carpet factory to his eventual freedom. Interestingly this story isn't told from his perspective, but instead from another child who gets to know him as she works beside him tying knots for carpets.

I loved how D'Adamo used this different perspective. I found the story to be moving, heart breaking and eye opening. I believe my students will enjoy reading it as well. There is so much to explore in this book that even though it is a short book- the depth and detail they will be exposed to will make for a very rich experience.

Wanting Mor by Rukhsana Khan

Much like Thunder over Kandahar, Wanting Mor is set in post-Taliban Afghanistan. This story is about a young girl named Jameela and how her life evolves after her mother has passed away. The story deals with some of the harsh truths of life in Afghanistan.

I enjoyed reading this book for the second time. At the start, it is a bit hard to follow because the author uses many of the words heard in Afghanistan. There is a glossary at the back, but slowly you start to recognize and understand what is happening. This book is going to be used for a unit on Children Around the World I am starting soon.

Thunder over Kandahar by Sharon E. McKay

I am currently getting prepared for a literature study focusing on Children around the World. I want to expose my students to life outside of our small town in Ontario. To that end, I am reading several books for our up-coming literature circles.

Thunder over Kandahar is an amazing, powerful book about life in Afghanistan. The story centers around two girls of very different backgrounds. Yasmine, who spent most of her life in England and has returned to Afghanistan with her parents to help restore the country. Tamanna is a girl who has been raised in Afghanistan. At first Tamanna has a hard time being comfortable with Yasmine because their childhood was so different. For Yasmine, she was raised by highly educated parents who instilled in her the passion for learning and education. Tamanna, however grew up under Taliban law and was treated as a second class citizen and was not allowed to go to school. Slowly the girls overcome their differences and become best friends. They find their friendship put to the test when they must flee their village or face certain death.

I was absolutely fascinated with this book. McKay has created characters that are so real and believable that I was racing to finish the book to find out what happens. Life in Afghanistan is so hard to grasp. It is my hope that children who read this book realize how lucky they are to live in Canada and to have some compassion and understanding for what is happening in another part of the world.

Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy

Words in the Dust is the story of Zulaikha, a young girl from post Taliban Afghanistan. Things in Afghanistan are difficult for her. Her father's wife is pregnant and very mean to Zulaikha and her sister. The two of them need to do chores all day long. There is nothing for them to do but cook, clean and look after their little brothers. There is no school because girls are not allowed to go to school. For Zeynab her sister, this is fine because all she dreams of is the day she will get married and have children. To make things even more difficult, Zulaikha has a cleft palate which leaves her disfigured and causes the local children to be quite cruel to her. Zulaikha takes small comfort in learning to read in secret with a friend of her mothers. However the cost of lying to her family is something she constantly worries about.

Things start to look up for the family when her father's welding business is offered the opportunity to build a new school and a U.S. army base. This means more money, more word and more contacts with richer Afghanistan people. This contact with the army also opens up the possibility of Zulaikha's having a simple operation to fix her face. With all of these changes, Zulaikha and her family must learn to adapt and hope for a better future for the children of Afghanistan.

This book was written by a solider on active duty in Afghanistan which I found quite unique. I found the descriptions of the country and what it is like to live in a place filled with war to be incredibly sad and depressing. The thought of no education for girls is so hard to come to terms with and I loved how the story that was told through a female character growing up in a world where men control so much. Zulaikha's courage to face a life that offered such little hope was quite remarkable considering how she was raised. I'm not sure how many of the kids in my class would push through this book. I found the many different names and customs hard to keep up with, and I'm not sure kids would work through it. It would be a great book to use as a literature circle so that you could discuss the events as they were taking place in the book.

A Hare in the Elephant's Trunk by Jan Coates

Eight year old Jacob Akech Deng is like all the other children in his small village of Duk Padiet in Southern Sudan. He loves his family and playing soccer, he wants to be just like his uncle when he grows up and above all else, he dreads going to school. Jacob would much rather be outside playing and looking after the animals and he constantly informs his mother of this.
The story takes a turn when soldiers come to his village one night- shooting, killing and setting fires. Thus Jacob’s peaceful life is ended. He is separated from his mother and sister and he finds himself marching through Sudan towards Ethiopia in hopes of making it to a refugee camp and safety. Along the way, Jacob relies on other young boys making the same trek through the hot desert. Jacob thinks constantly of his mother and finds strength in her wish that he gain an education in order to change life for the Sudanese people.
At the refugee camp, life isn’t what the boys hope it will be. Living in a small space they are surrounded by many children without adults to guide them, teach them and in some cases control them. Yet it is here that Jacob is able to begin to fulfill his mother’s wish that he receive an education. He develops a special relationship with his teacher that gives him strength to fight against the other boys’ only expectation that he join the army and fight for Sudan.
Hare in the Elephant’s Trunk is a story inspired by one of the ‘Lost Boys’ of Sudan. It will introduce young readers to a country at war and the devastating effects war can have on the youth. This book would be best for mature readers and it will require discussion, reflection and possibly some research. The author is donating proceeds from the sale of this book to Jacob’s charity, Wadeng Wings of Hope (www.wadeng.org)

Shaken by Eric Walters

Shaken is Eric Walters newest book. Walters tends to write books that deal with relevant timely issues (such as Wave) and this one is no different. It was just over a year ago that an earthquake hit Haiti. I think it is really hard for us to understand the devastation and destruction that took place in that country. Eric Walters has written a book that deals with the people of Haiti and the situation many of them faced before the earthquake as well as after. It always amazes me how Walters can research and write such incredible books in such a short time frame.

The main character is Josh- a 16 year old boy who has recently lost his mother. His father is a pastor and is leading a church group to Haiti to help build a new building at an orphanage. As Josh and his family help out at the orphanage, they also meet the local children and learn about the realities of their lives. Josh is struggling with the loss of his mother, his father's behaviour and his faith. I found Josh to be a very believable character. At his heart he is a good kid, but he is so angry about so many things. I did find that there was a lot of religious references in the story that might make it challenging for kids to read. However, it was written in true Eric Walters style with characters that you believe in and like.

I know many of the kids in my class will be fighting over this one on Monday morning!

Boys Without Names by Kashmira Sheth

Set in Indian, Boys Without Names tells the tragic story of eleven year old Gopal and his family. The story deals with a family who are fighting to survive when their livelihood is taken away from them as a result of weather and a series of bad debts. When they flee their village in the middle of the night, they head for Mumbai hoping for a better life.
Along the way, they are faced with unknown places and strangers, but they know that in Mumbai, there is family waiting for them.
Gopal wants nothing more than to stay in his village, and yet he is intrigued by what he might find in Mumbai. He is the one who is able to read street signs and deal with merchants on their travels. He is also the one who is asked to amuse his twin brother and sister along the way.
Once in Mumbai, Gopal wants to earn money for his family. He wants to go to school, but knows that can't happen for a few months. When he is offered the chance of a job, he jumps on it, but soon makes the biggest mistake of his life. He wakes to find himself a captive of a man who forces children to work for no wages, little food and no warmth or compassion.
What follows is the story of how one boy learns the sad truth of child labour.

This book was incredibly moving. To read of Gopal's life in rural India and how his family is forced to make the painful decision to leave. Then, his life in captivity seems very real and honest. Throughout this story, Gopal tells traditional stories to his younger brother and sister and to the children he is kept captive with. The tradition of telling stories is very important to Gopal and he is able to take a lot of strength from the stories. Gopal as a character is likable and believable, his strength and resilience is very motivating.
I think this is an important book for children to read. There are so many issues that kids aren't aware of and it is great to have a story that could open up their eyes to things that are happening around the world.

Branded by Eric Walters

Branded is a high interest, low vocabulary book written by Eric Walters. I like these books, they are nice quick reads- that are always exciting to read.

This book deals with several students in high school who are learning about social justice issues. Ian, the main character is learning a lot about what is happening around the world. When his school principal announces that a new dress code will be implemented in a few weeks- Ian isn't sure how to react. On one hand, he doesn't really care- but then there is his friend who is against conformity and just following the rules. But when Ian starts researching the school uniforms he learns that there may be something worth fighting after all.

I like the whole idea of social justice issues being introduced in quick reads. I think many kids will like this book.

Lost Riders by Elizabeth Laird

Elizabeth Laird is an author like Deborah Ellis. She writes about children around the world. These types of books can be a challenge to read because they are dealing with issues that are so unfamiliar to us.

Lost Riders tells the story of young children who were taken from their homes in Pakistan (and Bangladesh, India, Sudan and the Yemen), brought to the Gulf and forced to train, ride and race camels for the wealthy sheikhs. But really, the story is about one 8 year old boy Rashid and his 5 year old brother Shari who are living in poverty with their mother and sister since their father died. When their uncle Bilal comes and tells them about the wealthy families in Dubai who are looking for children to play with their own children. Bilal tells the boys mother about the money they will make and the life they will lead if they are allowed to go. Part of Rashid wants to go- to eat, sleep and play with a wealthy little boy, but another part doesn't want to leave his home and his family.

Finally, uncle Bilal convinces the mother that this is an excellent opportunity for the young boys. What looks good on the outside is in reality the opposite. The boys are taken on a long journey to Dubai where they are separated and forced to work with camels under terrible conditions.

Rashid learns to live without food, sleep and how to train the camels in order to please his new owners, yet all the time he longs for home and worries about his younger brother.

I found this story challenging to get into. All the different names were difficult to keep track of. However, Laird is able to spin a wonderful story, while telling of a terrible time in the history of child trafficking. I think kids reading this book will have their eyes opened to the way children are treated in other parts of the world.

It might make for a good read aloud, depending on the group of students and if you can connect it to something else you are studying. Otherwise, I would use it as Literature Circles for sure.

The Garbage King by Elizabeth Laird

I picked this book up at Titles when I was looking for some books that deal with Global issues that children around the world are facing.

Dani and Mamo came from very different backgrounds. Both were born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia but their first 12 years were very different. When Mamo became an orphan at the age of 13, he is sold into slavery miles away from his home. After surviving months of terrible treatment, he runs home to Addis Ababa and tries to survive on the streets. Here he meets Dani, a boy who has spent an easy life with all the advantages of the wealthy. Dani's dream is to become a writer, but his father doesn't want that for him and he plans to send him away from home as punishment. Dani somehow plucks up the courage to leave and once on the streets he meets up with Mamo.

Eventually the two boys join a gang of street children and learn how they can all work together to survive.

While this story can be very harsh, it can be used to open up children's eyes to what happens around the world and how families can be formed in the strangest situations.

I would recommend that teachers read this book first to make sure it is appropriate for their class. I have used it with kids in grade 6, but with with lots of talk throughout the reading.

Under the Persimmon Tree by Suzanne Fisher Staples

Finished May 3, 2009

Elaine and Najmah are two very different young women. Elaine, an American who has moved to Pershawar Pakistan to be with her husband finds herself alone after he has gone to give medical support in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. Najmah is an girl from Afghanistan who suddenly finds herself alone after losing all her family in the war. While Najmah wanders the country looking for her father and brother, Elaine is teaching refugee children and waiting and wondering what is happening with her husband. When they finally meet, Najmah and Elaine find that they give each other strength to make it through this very difficult time.

I think mature readers would enjoy this book, at times I found the names a bit hard to keep track of, but it was worth the struggle.

The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamar with Susan McClelland

Finished on May 14, 2009

This is the true story of Mariatu, a young girl from Africa who lived through some horrific times and has managed to come out on top. Mariatu had a normal childhood in a small village in Sierra Leone. She lived with her aunt and uncle and many cousins and friends. She was happy collecting water, helping her family and playing with her friends. She heard rumours of the rebels attacking other villages, but she didn't really worry about it ever happening to her village. But one day, the rebels attacked the village- she was only 12 years old- and was attacked by children younger than she was. Although she didn't think so at the time, Mariatu was very lucky to survive. Among other horrors, Mariatu had her hands cut off. Now, left without family and without any means to support herself, Mariatu has to find the will to not only live, but to survive as well. This story, while hard to read at times, really shows what children around the world are exposed to.

Mariatu writes this story with the Globe and Mail writer Susan McClelland and while it isn't always smooth reading, it is a very interesting story.

Chanda's Secrets by Allan Stratton

A few years ago, some former students and I decided to do an 'online' book club. We decided we would read a book and just chat about it through email. This was the first book we chose.

Chanda's Secrets is set in Africa and deals with the AIDS epidemic happening there. Many people in Africa are in denial about the severity of AIDS. Familes live in shame and hope that nobody ever finds out that they have had AIDS in the family. This story is simlar to The Breadwinner, although much more graphic.

16 year old Chanda remembers when she lived with her mom and dad, but her life has taken a turn for the worst. She is abused by one of her step-father's and is confronted with the horrible stigma attached to people with the AIDS virus through another step-father. Chanda is forced to give up her education in order to look after her younger brothers and sisters when her mom abandons the family. Chanda must face the harsh reality that not only does her mom have AIDS, but she may have AIDS as well.

I thought this book was incredibly powerful, but would need lots of conversation for many kids to understand the issues this book raises. There is some strong language as well.

A great picture book to go along with this is: The Remarkable Maria by Patti McIntosh.