Words in the Dust
Words in the Dust
Book Brief
272
Novel • Fiction
Afghanistan • 2000s
2011
Middle grade
10-14 years
670L
Super Short Summary
In Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy, Zulaikha, a thirteen-year-old Afghan girl with a cleft lip, faces bullying and familial challenges, while secretly learning to read from her late mother's friend. An opportunity for surgery arises when American soldiers arrive in her village, leading to transformative changes in her life amidst ongoing cultural and personal trials.
Inspirational
Emotional
Challenging
Hopeful
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
3,233 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy presents a poignant tale of an Afghan girl's struggles and triumphs. Reviewers praise its authentic portrayal of Afghan culture and its strong, relatable protagonist. However, some find the narrative voice inconsistent and believe the plot occasionally veers into predictability. Overall, the book is deemed a compelling and eye-opening read.
Who Should Read Words in the Dust?
Readers who would enjoy Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy are typically young adults interested in emotional, cross-cultural stories. Fans of The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis or I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai will appreciate the poignant narrative and rich Afghan setting that highlights resilience and hope amidst adversity.
3,233 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Words in the Dust is inspired by Trent Reedy's experiences as a soldier deployed in Afghanistan, where he witnessed the struggles and resilience of Afghan girls and their desire for education.
The book earned the prestigious Christopher Award in 2012, which recognizes media that "affirm the highest values of the human spirit."
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Trent Reedy was motivated to write Words in the Dust after meeting Zulaikha, an Afghan girl with a cleft lip, which highlighted for him the importance of telling stories about courage and hope in the face of adversity.
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272
Novel • Fiction
Afghanistan • 2000s
2011
Middle grade
10-14 years
670L
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