This is an extract from the reading list of the UN SDG Bookclub:
Razia and her family live in a small village in Afghanistan where a new school for girl’s is being built. Razia is very excited about the chance to learn but it will take all her courage and confidence to convince her family they will gain much from her education as well. A hopeful story about one girl’s persistent fight for her right to education and a story that clearly shows how much contribution an educated person can bring to their communities.
Author: Elizabeth Suneby | Illustrator: Suana Verelst | ISBN: 978-1554538164 | Publisher: Kids Can Press
Rain School
Captures the excitement of children starting school for the first time and wondering what it will be like. In this particular setting in Chad, the children and the teachers create a temporary school building each year which lasts for the nine months between the long rains. The message is one of collaboration, problem solving and hope with enthusiastic valuing of an education at its core.
Author: James Rumford | Illustrator: James Rumford | ISBN: 978-0547243078 | Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
When I was Eight
Olemaun is eight and knows a lot of things. But she does not know how to read. Ignoring her father’s warnings, she travels far from her Arctic home to the outsiders’ school to learn. The nuns at the school call her Margaret. They cut off her long hair and force her to do menial chores, but she remains undaunted. Her tenacity draws the attention of a black-cloaked nun who tries to break her spirit at every turn. But the young girl is more determined than ever to learn how to read.
Author: Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton Jury| Illustrator:Gabrielle Grimard | ISBN: 978-1554514908 | Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
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