Introduction: Razia’s Ray of Hope by Elizabeth Suneby, Book Review
As I was reading Razia’s Ray of Hope
by Elizabeth Suneby, I kept on thinking, “Is the author qualified to write this story?” And I made a note to myself to conduct some research to learn more about her. Some may think that this is not important, but I remember a conversation I had with a friend, who is a social activist, and she emphasized the importance of authentic voices.
Razia’s Ray of Hope by Elizabeth Suneby is set in Afghanistan, so when I finished reading the book, I was gratified to learn that the book is based on a true story and the author had conversations with Razia Jan, whose life the book is based on.
Had I read the front and back matter of Razia’s Ray of Hope by Elizabeth Suneby, I would have known much more about the book before I started to read the story. I especially do not like to read the blurb that describes what the book is about, because there have been too many times when I couldn’t connect the book description to the actual story. This was not the case with this book, as I found out later. Razia’s Ray of Hope is part of a CitizenKid series from Kids Can Press, and this is significant because anyone who has been reading this blog for a while, knows that I am big on reading globally.
Have you read?
Book Recommendations for Kids: Books to Read with Your Kids
What is Razia’s Ray of Hope by Elizabeth Suneby About?
When the story begins, some kids find candy in an empty lot in their village, which is surprising to them because previously all they found was shards of clay. Razia and her little sister, Zara stuff as much candy as they can into their pockets, which is the typical behavior for children. Their grandfather tells them that his school once stood on that lot. The school was levelled, as a result of 17 years of war. The candy represents something sweet, and it is sweet news – someone is building a school for girls. Razia cannot contain her excitement, and begs her grandfather to intercede on her behalf so that she can go to school.
In the village, only boys get an education, her two eldest brothers – Aziz and Ahmad – had no interest in going to school, so they work in the quarry cutting stones. Each day, while her younger brothers Jamil and Karim are doing their homework, Razia pays attention to what they are doing, and that’s how she starts to learn. On her own, she learns the Dari alphabet and can spell her name.
As months pass, and her grandfather doesn’t intercede on her behalf, she whispers a reminder to him. Kids do not know that timing is everything. She watches the school building go up brick by brick, and she watches the other girls in the village talking about the nice lady who is building the school, and she sees them registering for school. Razia is from the outside looking in, not always a comfortable place to be, but often times, an outsider's perspective is exactly what's needed to see the opportunities.
Finally, when grandfather does as she wishes, and does a good job of providing the context for why Razia should be given the opportunity to attend school. Although he emphasizes that she can do her chores before and after school, that is not enough, and the other men in the family oppose, but her brother Aziz, states emphatically, “Razia is not going.” Quite the conversation stopper.
The young girl is disappointed, but not beaten down. One day, after completing her chores, Razia walks to the newly constructed school. She introduces herself to Razia Jan, and tells her that her father and brother will not give her permission to attend school. Razia Jan offers to return home with the young girl to intercede on her behalf. It takes courage for the young girl to go to the school, it shows her hunger for knowledge.
When Razia Jan describes her vision for her school, she convinces Razia’s father that what she is doing is a very good thing for both the girls and the village. The father decides to talk to his son Aziz, who is adamant about Razia not going to school. Aziz comes home early that day and sees Razia Jan and she makes her case, but he simply shakes her hand, walking out of the room. He is home early because he isn’t feeling well. He is unable to read the instructions on the medicine, but Razia is able to sound out the instructions, and Aziz is very surprised. She begs him to allow her to attend school, but he doesn’t give his consent.
Once again, Razia is not beaten, she decides that even though it isn’t the ideal situation, she will learn from her friends. A few days later, Aziz gives his consent because he learns that stones from the quarry where he works are being used to build a wall around the school. He emphasizes that she has to complete her chores before and after school.
On the first day of school, Razia’s teacher asks the girls to introduce themselves and say what they want to be when they grow up. Not surprising, Razia wants to be a teacher, and at her tender age, she intends to practice on her mother and brother Aziz. As you can tell by now, this is a children’s book, packed with some profound lessons.
Lessons from Razia’s Ray of Hope by Elizabeth Suneby
- Everyone deserves an education.
- If applied, education can lift a family out of poverty.
- Believe in your dreams and never give up.
- If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.
- There is much that we can learn from children.
- A child can have a vision for herself.
Final Thoughts: Razia’s Ray of Hope by Elizabeth Suneby
Disclosure: I am starting a grassroots community library program in Jamaica in the area where my mother lived. Kids Can Press contributed 15 books and Razia’s Ray of Hope
by Elizabeth Suneby is one of them.
If you have children, and you are looking for a way to make them aware of global events in a way that’s age appropriate, consider the books in the CitizenKid series.
