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A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

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A Thousand Splendid Suns is an eye-captivating story about friendship, sisterhood, and family as they endure many tragedies in a wounded country captivated by the Taliban.

Mariam is the illegitimate daughter of a maid and a wealthy businessman. After a tragic series of events, she is forced into an arranged marriage with Rasheed, an abusive older man. Years later, Laila, a bright and independent young girl, enters Rasheed’s household after losing her family during the civil war. Initially hostile toward each other, Mariam and Laila form a deep bond of friendship and solidarity as they endure Rasheed’s cruelty together.

The novel captures their struggles against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s tumultuous history, including the Soviet invasion, the rise of the Taliban, and U.S. intervention. Through their shared pain, they find strength and purpose.

This story brought many emotions as I read through every chapter. It emphasizes how women were being treated and the use of power being obstructed by authorities. Despite their complicated family arrangements, it showcases the strong consolation between the two women. This story beautifully outlines the meaning of love and friendship in the light of adversity.

Khaled Hosseini is an author of bestseller novel “The Kite Runner” and “And The Mountains Echoed,” which I highly recommend anyone who enjoys this type of genre, which outlines the concept of war, strength, wisdom and strength.

History

Hiding Edith: A True Story Review

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Hiding Edith: A True Story by Canadian author Kathy Kacer is based on interviews with Holocaust survivor Edith Schwalb. I would recommend this book to any young reader  who would like to learn about the Holocaust or to any teacher who would like to teach their students about compassion. The book shares the history of the Holocaust and the experiences of a young Jewish child growing up during a horrific time in history. Forced to flee Vienna, Austria when the Nazi’s take control of the country, Edith and her family escape to France. However, Edith’s father is eventually arrested. To ensure the safety of her remaining family, Edith’s mother must make the difficult decision to send her two youngest children to a secret school run by a Jewish couple in Moissac, France. Edith’s secret, along with over one hundred other Jewish children in hiding is bravely kept by the towns people who would be punished if anyone found out they were aiding Jews.

The book is written for young readers and presents themes of resilience and compassion. Despite her separation from her loved ones, and constant fears of arrest, Edith must find strength to keep going, highlighting how you can experience difficult times, but come out on the other side. My favorite part of the book is that it provides glimpses of hope for humanity as there are people willing to risk their lives to do the right thing. This message shows young students the importance of doing what is right despite the repercussions.

History, Reference

Reading (and Writing) a Chapter in Canadian History: A Book Review on “These are My Words: The Residential School Diary of Violet Pesheens” by Ruby Slipperjack

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Content Warning (C.W.) / Trigger Warning (T.W.): This book discusses difficult topics like Residential School trauma, abuse, and racism.

These are My Words: The Residential School Diary of Violet Pesheens by Ruby Slipperjack is the latest installment in the Dear Canada series by Scholastic Canada. This is a work of Historical Fiction about a young girl named Violet (“Pynut”), who is sent from her home in Flint Lake, Ontario, to a Residential School in Northern Ontario. The book follows Violet’s school year from 1966 to 1967 and is written in first-person diary-entry format. Through Violet’s diary entries, Slipperjack skillfully weaves a narrative that explores the profound impact of cultural erasure and the resiliency of the human spirit.

The book’s diary format provides an enriching first-person perspective that immerses readers into the past. Readers quickly understand the harsh and oppressive conditions inside Canada’s Residential Schools. Violet grapples with her identity as a young Anishinaabe woman as she is robbed of her language, culture, and identity upon becoming a student at the Residential School. She feels like her life has split into two: there is the version of herself at Residential School, and the version she once was back home with her Grandmother on Flint Lake.

What is most interesting about this book is that Violet’s story is based on Slipperjack’s own life. It would be interesting to know whether Slipperjack too, like Violet,  kept a diary in secret as an act of resistance and self-preservation.

This book provides a sensitive and thoughtful introduction into the dark history of Canada’s Residential School System and how recently it has impacted individuals. This book would be best suited for a read-a-loud or independent novel study for  students in Grade 5 and up. If readers have liked books like The Diary of Anne Frank or Catherine, Called Birdy, they will enjoy this book.

By Grace Jansen

History

The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss

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A Book Review by Olivia E. Wallace

The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss tells the story of her life as an eight-year-old Jewish girl in Holland during World War II. Johanna, called Annie in the book, introduces us to Hitler. Quickly thereafter her life begins to unravel. One moment she is living with her parents and two sisters, and the next her family is being separated, losing their jobs, and having their freedom stripped away because they are Jews.

Annie must flee with her sister, Sini to live in a Gentile family’s home. They hide in a tiny room at the top of a remote farmhouse. What was meant to be a two-week stay turns into months. The girls grow anxious with each day, fearful of being taken by German Nazis, wondering if the war will ever end.

The Oosterveld’s, who risk their lives protecting the sisters, are a fun-loving bunch who bring some levity to this story set in a very dark time. There’s Johann, a realist without much of a filter, his cautious wife Dientje, and Johann’s outspoken mother, Opoe. Despite the kindness and care of their hosts, I feel for Annie and Sini as they long for freedom, watching the seasons go by.

During this COVID-19 lockdown, I’m sure we can relate to these young girls who desire to be with loved ones, and roam freely without concern. Although the characters are in constant fear, I admire their tenacity, vibrant personalities and enjoyed the bits of humor sprinkled throughout the book. I would certainly recommend this book to all readers ages eight and older. It is a compelling read about injustice, sacrifice, and resilience.