Welcome to the first novel of the year!
This story connects with social studies, and plays a key role in demonstrating the struggle for voices to be heard. As you read this novel, you will be exposed to some beliefs and regions... as well as literary concepts... that may not be well known to you. To help you better understand the material, use the links below and explore some new places and ideas. Learning about the other is critical to understanding the self.
Basics of Islam
Islam for Children: Very informative, covering all the basicsMutmaina: Designed for Muslim children, very informative.
Six Main Religions: This site gives the basics of each major religion, in a Q/A format.
Islam 4 Kids:Another very informative site - aimed at Muslim kids
The Holy Qur'an: The entire text, translated
Taliban and Mujahideen
Afghani Mujahideen: This gives the basics of who they areBritannica: Solid Encyclopedia entry on this resistance group.
Who are the Taliban? Solid article by Infoplease.
Womenaid.org:Some impacts of Taliban rule on women
Islam for Today: An article explaining why the Taliban's view of Islam is not accurate
Refugee Camps
Inside Afghanistan's Refugee Camps: An article from Salon.comImages from Patra's Port: Pictures from an Afghan camp in Greece
Refugees International: Up to date info on the current situation
Cool Planet.org: Explores what life is like for Afghan refugees in Pakistan
Life in a Refugee Camp: Videos and activities to reflect on life in a camp
"This Is Me"
Story Analysis and Insights
Author interview:: Some good background information on this reporter-turned-authorMiddle East Ideas: Some brief background on the story
Chasing Ray Some critical analysis of the text
LNCWebber: One critic's analysis of themes, symbols - plus a chapter by chapter summary!
Drawing on Life: An article and interview, explaining the author's background
Afghan Blogs
The Afghanistan Analyst: This site is a link to all the Afghan blogs on the web...
Deployed Teacher: An online journal by an American teacher who was deployed in AfghanistanAfghan Lord: A current blog from within Afghanistan
The Heart of Asia Text, images, videos from Afghanistan
Afghan Citizen: A live blog from a citizen of Kabul, explaining life there.
The Unheard Voice: A blog entry from one refugee camp
Rejuvenation of an Afghan Soul: Written by an Afghani woman who has moved back to her homeland
Understanding Afghanistan
Afghanistan for Kids:A great introductory site - with info on food, language...very thoughtfulKids in Afghanistan: Some very good info on daily life
The Embassy Information for kids, on the Afghani Embassy Page
Kids Konnect: Their Afghanistan page has some good basics, and better links
Afghanistan's Way of Life: A solid site exploring many aspects of life there