Zia's Story

by Shahnaz Qayumi, Nahid Kazemi (Illustrator)

Overview

"Take care of your mother," twelve-year-old Zia's father whispers to him just as he is arrested-never to be seen again. Soon afterward, the Russian army pulls out of Afghanistan, and the country falls into a devastating civil war.

The Taliban takes over, establishing a regime of great brutality and creating an atmosphere of fear-women are not allowed to work nor can girls go to school. Many thousands join the perilous journey to neighbouring Pakistan seeking refuge—Zia and his mother among them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781990598128
Publisher:	Tradewind Books
Publication date:	06/15/2024
Pages:	96
Sales rank:	193,688
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Shahnaz Qayumi was born and raised in Kabul. Zia's Story is her first book for young people and is closely based on other Afghans and her as a refugee from war-torn Afghanistan. After fleeing Afghanistan, she found refuge in Canada. She now lives in Vancouver and teaches at Langara University. 

Nahid Kazemi is an artist, illustrator and graphic designer. She has published many award-winning children’s books, and was nominated for the Governor General’s Literary Award and the 2020 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Her recent publications include Over the Rooftops, Under the Moon and The Old Woman. She has exhibited her work around the world. Nahid lives in Montreal.

Editorial Reviews

04/22/2024

Opening in Kabul with young Zia eagerly anticipating a kite competition between himself, his friends, and a group of unbeatable kite runners, Qayumi’s debut descends quickly into tragedy, one heartbreaking incident at a time. First, Zia’s father is inexplicably taken by soldiers, leaving Zia to become “the man” for his mother and all the neighborhood widows. Soon after, an explosion leaves the village without electricity. His mother no longer allows Zia to attend school, and when the Taliban forbids women and girls to be seen outdoors, she opens her own underground school. Told in Zia’s matter-of-fact voice, the story traces the dangers he and his mother endure as life in Kabul becomes unsustainable. They eventually flee Kabul and take refuge in Pakistan, where Zia unknowingly finds himself being groomed by the Taliban. A lack of historical and political context throughout raises many questions; information provided via back matter, rendered in sophisticated language, could result in further perplexity. Still, this plainspoken tale, based on the author’s experiences with her son, is an important one for readers of all ages. Shaded b&w art by Kazemi (Love Is in the Bear) accentuates the narrative’s bleak and threatening ambiance. Ages 9–12. (June)

Publishers Weekly

"This haunting, sparely narrated novella packs a powerful punch."

The Horn Book

(Zia’s Story) is an eye-opening and worthwhile title that will provide children aged 9-12 with much food for thought . . . (and ) would be a welcome addition for schools and public libraries. Kazemi’s somber illustrations reflect the mood of the story and are rich in detail. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials