Do you know of any other children’s books featuring Afghanistan? Please feel free to note it in a comment below!
Children's Books about Afghanistan
[Recommended!] Tales Told in Tents: Stories from Central Asia: Why are some carpets magic? What is a wish-tree? And where can the fountain of eternal life be found? The answers to these and many other intriguing questions can be found in Sally Pomme Clayton's enchanted storytelling journey through Central Asia. On her travels in the region, Sally has accumulated a wealth of folklore and knowledge of nomadic cultures. The 12 exotic retellings of stories related to the author in storytelling tents are linked by a mix of memories spiced with homespun wisdom, as she retraces her steps through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tadjikistan and Afghanistan.
[Recommended!] The Kite Runner: The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant, caught in the tragic sweep of history, The Kite Runner transports readers to Afghanistan at a tense and crucial moment of change and destruction. A powerful story of friendship, it is also about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption; and an exploration of the power of fathers over sons—their love, their sacrifices, their lies. Since its publication in 2003 Kite Runner has become a beloved, one-of-a-kind classic of contemporary literature, touching millions of readers, and launching the career of one of America's most treasured writers. New York Times Readers Pick: 100 Best Books of the 21st Century. Grade level: 9-12.
[Recommended!] The Breadwinner (5 book series): "All girls [should read] The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis." ― Malala Yousafzai, New York Times. The first book in Deborah Ellis’s riveting Breadwinner series is an award-winning novel about loyalty, survival, families and friendship under extraordinary circumstances during the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan in the late 1990s. Eleven-year-old Parvana lives with her family in one room of a bombed-out apartment building in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital city. Parvana’s father ― a history teacher until his school was bombed and his health destroyed ― works from a blanket on the ground in the marketplace, reading letters for people who cannot read or write. One day, he is arrested for the crime of having a foreign education, and the family is left without someone who can earn money or even shop for food. As conditions for the family grow desperate, only one solution emerges. Forbidden to earn money as a girl, Parvana must transform herself into a boy, and become the breadwinner. The fifteenth anniversary edition includes a special foreword by Deborah Ellis as well as a new map, an updated author’s note and a glossary to provide young readers with background and context. All royalties from the sale of this book will go to Right to Learn Afghanistan. Parvana’s Fund supports education projects for Afghan women and children.
The Breadwinner: A Graphic Novel: Deborah Ellis’s bestselling novel The Breadwinner, now available as a stunningly illustrated graphic novel. This beautiful graphic-novel adaptation of The Breadwinner animated film tells the story of eleven-year-old Parvana, who must disguise herself as a boy to support her family during the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan in the late 1990s. Parvana lives with her family in one room of a bombed-out apartment building in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital city. Parvana’s father ― a history teacher until his school was bombed and his health destroyed ― works from a blanket on the ground in the marketplace, reading letters for people who cannot read or write. One day, he is arrested for having forbidden books, and the family is left without someone who can earn money or even shop for food. As conditions for the family grow desperate, only one solution emerges. Forbidden to earn money as a girl, Parvana must transform herself into a boy, and become the breadwinner. Readers will want to linger over this powerful graphic novel with its striking art and inspiring story.
Waiting for the Owl's Call (Tales of the World): The sights, sounds, and vibrant spirit of the Turkoman people come alive in this story of one day in the life of a young girl in Afghanistan. Eight-year-old Zulviya, her sister and her cousin, her mother and her grandmother... they all belong to the loom. For generations the women of Zulviya's family have earned their living by weaving rugs by hand. The rugs are valuable and the women are proud of their beautiful handiwork. But the work is hard. It takes months to weave a rug; each one contains hundreds of thousands of knots. Before one work day has passed, Zulviya will tie thousands of knots. As she sits at her work, Zulviya weaves not one but two patterns. The pattern on the loom will become a fine rug. She weaves a second pattern in her mind. There she sees the green of the Afghani hills, the bright blue of the nearby lake, and the vivid orange of the setting sun. And Zulviya takes comfort in the landscape in her mind.
I See the Sun in Afghanistan: Through the eyes of a child, I See the Sun in Afghanistan portrays a culture that emphasizes patriarchal family, love of country and fierce loyalty to family and tribe. Although the story takes place against the backdrop of war, it is not political, but a simple story about one day in the life of a young girl. After waking before dawn, Habiba and her sister go out to fetch water. Following a breakfast of khojur, she tags along with her brother and father as they bring the sheep to pasture. She goes to school outside with other girls; the boys attend school later in the day. Her family is preparing for cousins and an aunt and uncle to move in with them and Habiba wonders how everyone will fit into their small home. A country overview and glossary is included for parents and teachers who want to go beyond the story and talk more about Afghanistan and why it is important. In English and Afghan Farsi. For ages 5 and up.
Me, Mommy, Mantu: Have you ever had Mantu? Me, Mommy, Mantu pays homage to the beautiful Afghan culture, the colorful Afghan dish mantu, and most importantly the joy and bonding that takes place when cooking with loved ones in the kitchen. Afghan hospitality and Afghan food is at the heart of every Afghan gathering between families, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Afghan food is inspired by a colorful array of rich spices and seasonings. There is nothing better than the scent of zeera (cumin), gashneech (coriander), na na (mint), and ail (cardamom) drifting through the house. Hoping Me, Mommy, Mantu inspires you to grab an apron, get garlic on your fingers, have fun, and make your own memories cooking mantu with your loved ones!
The Carpet: An Afghan Family Story: This poignant story, about an Afghan refugee child and the family carpet that connects them to home, inspires readers to live and learn in love, not fear. The Carpet follows a day in the life of an Afghan refugee child, where every moment revolves around love, family, and the carpet that connects them to home. The carpet is the centerpiece of family life, where meals, stories, laughs, and memories are shared. This moving story, inspired by the author’s life, celebrates what makes a home—no matter where you are.
The Library Bus: Author Bahram Rahman grew up in Afghanistan during years of civil war and the restrictive Taliban regime of 1996-2001. He wrote The Library Bus to tell new generations about the struggles of women who, like his own sister, were forbidden to learn. It is still dark in Kabul, Afghanistan when the library bus rumbles out of the city. There are no bus seats—instead there are chairs and tables and shelves of books. And there are no passengers—instead there is Pari, who is nervously starting her first day as Mama’s library helper. Pari stands tall to hand out notebooks and pencils at the villages and the refugee camp, but she feels intimidated. The girls they visit are learning to write English from Mama. Pari can’t even read or write in Farsi yet. But next year she will go to school and learn all there is to know. And she is so lucky. Not long ago, Mama tells her, girls were not allowed to read at all. Award-winning illustrator Gabrielle Grimard’s pensive and captivating art transports the reader to Afghanistan in the time after the Taliban’s first regime. Her rich landscapes and compelling characters celebrate literacy, ingenuity, and the strength of women and girls demanding a future for themselves.
A Sky-Blue Bench: It's Afghan schoolgirl Aria's first day back at school since her accident. She's excited, but she's also worried about sitting on the hard floor all day with her new prosthetic "helper-leg." Just as Aria feared, sitting on the floor is so uncomfortable that she can't think about learning at all. She knows that before the war changed many things in Afghanistan, schools like hers had benches for students to sit at. If she had a bench, her leg would not hurt so much. The answer is obvious: she will gather materials, talk to Kaka Najar, the carpenter in the old city, and learn to build a bench for herself. In A Sky-Blue Bench, Bahram Rahman, author of The Library Bus, returns again to the setting of his homeland, Afghanistan, to reveal the resilience and resolve of young children—especially young girls—who face barriers to education. Illustrator Peggy Collins imbues Aria with an infectious spunkiness and grit that make her relatable even to readers with a very different school experience. An author's note gently introduces an age-appropriate discussion of landmines and their impact on the lives of children in many nations, especially Afghanistan, which has the highest concentration of landmines of any country in the world.
A Sea of Stars: During a magical evening, a mother and her child explore the beauty of the nocturnal world and discover the enchanting spectacle of bioluminescence. This poetic bedtime story celebrates the strong bond between a mother and her child, and the splendor of nature surrounding them. A high-quality bilingual children's story in Dari and English, ideal for bilingual families and kids who learn Dari or English as a second language.
Nasreen's Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan: Renowned picture book creator Jeanette Winter tells the story of a young girl in Afghanistan who attends a secret school for girls. Young Nasreen has not spoken a word to anyone since her parents disappeared. In despair, her grandmother risks everything to enroll Nasreen in a secret school for girls. Will a devoted teacher, a new friend, and the worlds she discovers in books be enough to draw Nasreen out of her shell of sadness? Based on a true story from Afghanistan, this inspiring book will touch readers deeply as it affirms both the life-changing power of education and the healing power of love.
The Sky of Afghanistan: Gold Medal at the 2012 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards. With lyrical, stirring text and stunning, evocative artwork, The Sky of Afghanistan offers a moving ode to dreamers, to peace, and to finding hope for ending war once and for all. In a country ravaged by war, a girl looks up at the sky, closes her eyes and her imagination begins to soar, far away from hatred, from sadness. She flies up high, high above into the sky, until she envisions that long-awaited dream in which we all hold hands. She invites us to dream with her so that in her country, Afghanistan, peace may reign forever. Her dream is directed to all regions, she enters homes, homes, families, hearts. An ode to peace that reminds us of the need to be supportive and tolerant.
The Wooden Sword: A Jewish Folktale from Afghanistan: Though the shah in Afghanistan tries to test his faith, a poor Jewish shoemaker maintains his belief that all happens for the best. Disguised in servant's clothes, an Afghani shah slips out of his palace to learn more about his people. When he encounters a poor Jewish shoemaker full of faith that everything will turn out just as it should, the shah grows curious. Vowing that no harm will befall the poor man, he decides to test that faith, only to find that the shoemaker's cheerful optimism cannot be shaken. But the biggest challenge of the poor man's life is yet to come! Ann Stampler's retelling of this classic Afghani Jewish folktale is enriched by Carol Liddiment’s charming and vivid paintings.
: Author Dezh Azaadand illustrator Nan Cao’s picture book Sour Cherries is a moving, personal story about an Afghan refugee child and the fruit that connects him to family and home. Sour Cherries follows a summer day as an Afghan child learns to make sour cherry jam, stew, and tea with his mother, just like she learned from her mother. Pull the stem, pop the seed—together, they carefully prep their family dishes while sharing stories of his grandmother and the place they come from. Inspired by the author’s life, this warmhearted companion to The Carpet: An Afghan Family Story celebrates the taste of home.
Children's Songs from Afghanistan: To the children of Afghanistan. May their harts forever be filled with song."This wonderful songbook is a small treasure that connect today's Afghan children with generations past. My own children have already memorised these songs, as I had when I was a child. With all the destruction that Afghan children have witnessed, it is my hope that this collection brings a sense of joy, belonging and identity." - Khaled Hosseini
Roses In My Carpets: When a young boy, his mother, and his sister arrive at a refugee camp to escape the war in Afghanistan, he finds some comfort in the beauty of the carpets he is learning to weave.
A Refugee's Journey from Afghanistan (Leaving My Homeland): Sonita was born in a refugee camp in Pakistan after her family fled Afghanistan during the war in the early 2000s. Unwelcome in Pakistan, her family returns to Afghanistan, where Sonita and her family face new challenges. Interspersed with facts about Afghanistan and its people, this narrative tells a story common to many refugees fleeing the country. Readers will learn about the decades of conflict in Afghanistan and how they can help refugees in their communities and around the world who are struggling to find permanent homes. Teacher's guide available.
Tales from Afghan History: Heroic Tales and Cultural Legends for Kids: Introduce your child to the rich tapestry of Afghan stories, filled with lessons of bravery, wisdom, and enduring spirit. This book is not just a collection of stories; it's a treasure trove of cultural and moral guidance, ideal for growing up with a strong sense of identity and ethical principles. Perfect for bedtime reading and family bonding, this book will be a cherished addition to your child's library.
Welcome to Afghanistan with Sesame Street ® (Sesame Street ® Friends around the World): Come along with your friends from Sesame Street and explore Afghanistan! Shop at outdoor markets, snack on pomegranates, play volleyball, and more. About the Sesame Street ® Friends around the World series: Sesame Street characters help introduce readers to six different countries around the world. Young readers will dive into the unique landscapes, geography, and culture of each country.
My First Book - Afghanistan: All About Afghanistan For Kids: Kids are incredibly curious about the world around them and its easy to see why! The culture, the beauty, the landmarks, the food - it is simply fascinating. In this book, we cover all of those magical elements about AFGHANISTAN in a digestible and engaging way! Combining fun and education, we use real-life images to help your child learn about the country.
Afghanistan (Exploring World Cultures): From the rugged mountain landscapes to the bustling city streets, this volume explores the culture, traditions, and challenges of the fascinating country of Afghanistan. Students learn about the ancient civilizations that once thrived here, the impact of foreign invasions and wars, and the struggles and triumphs of the Afghan people in their quest for stability and peace. Through full-color photographs and engaging sidebars, readers gain a deeper understanding of the country's rich heritage, modern-day realities, and the hope and resilience of its people.
Afghan Dreams: Young Voices of Afghanistan: Tony O'Brien is a photo journalist who has been to Afghanistan many times in his work for major publications such as Time and Life. Here, he and his brother-in-law, Mike Sullivan, interview children of all ages about their lives, their fears and their dreams. The children's voices and their images are haunting, illuminating and make for compulsive and compulsory reading.
Afghanistan (A-Z World Series): Landlocked deep in Central Asia is the colorful and diverse country of Afghanistan. While the world has heard much about the wars which have raged in its depths for decades, little is known about its other, brighter sides. For example, why is its traditional sport one of the most interesting in the world? What tourist spots have attracted visitors by the thousand to the country? Who is the Afghan Girl and why is she famous? What kinds of trees and flowers grow in the mountain ranges? All of these questions, and many more, will be answered in this book. Along with these facts are a set of colored pictures that will take the reader on a wonderful journey through this astonishing and diverse country.
: Learn about the country's history, culture, people and much more! Afghanistan has long been a land of great turmoil. It has seen conflicts between internal factions and wars involving foreign nations. However, it is also a land of great beauty, with a rich culture and a long, fascinating history. Readers will get an up-close look at life in Afghanistan, from what people eat and do for fun to where they live and what kinds of jobs they do. They will also learn about Afghanistan's history, government, economy, traditions, and more.
Afghanistan (Blastoff! Readers: Exploring Countries): Afghanistan borders seven different countries and is a connection point for East, South, West, and Central Asia. It has long been a center of trade and culture, with many different civilizations throughout history calling it home. In this title, students will read about Afghanistan's wildlife, landscape, culture, and more.
Understanding Afghanistan Today (A Kid's Guide to the Middle East): Understanding Afghanistan Today is an accurate and contemporary presentation that explores the Middle Eastern nation of Afghanistan with a focus on the country as it is today: current issues, culture, and lifestyle. The book is written in an easy-to-read enjoyable narrative form for elementary readers grades 3-6. The Afghanistan title includes a native recipe and craft for students to create. Elementary students are encouraged to consider evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Series titles have been developed to address many of the Common Core specific goals, higher level thinking skills, and progressive learning strategies for middle grade and junior high level students.
Afghanistan (Countries Around the World): Offers comprehensive coverage of countries around the world, including sections on society, geography, culture, people, history, size, neighbours, economy, government, foreign language vocabulary, recipes, flags, and more.
Afghanistan Coloring Book For Kid: With Interesting Facts: This coloring book is designed for children who want to learn about the wonderful country that is Afghanistan! This unique coloring book includes over 30 high-quality pages designed to entertain and engage, providing hours of coloring fun. Each page contains an interesting fact about Afghanistan which will help your child learn about the country, culture, food, language and people.
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