Jihad
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
A young girl, brought up in Pakistan, returns home after a year spent in Australia. She feels confused about where she should belong, but when she and her friends are kidnapped and taken to Afghanistan, she is plunged into the midst of a civil war.
Why read this book
- Explores cultural understanding through engaging storytelling.
- Addresses themes of resilience and personal growth.
- Encourages empathy and global awareness.
- Supports discussions about diversity and tolerance.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-16
Length
248 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel while reading about Jamal's journey?
How do you think Jamal's life in Afghanistan compares to your life?
Why is it important to understand different cultures and the struggles they face?
Jamal shows a lot of courage throughout the book. Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
What are some ways we can help people who are in situations like Jamal’s?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a safe space for your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes.
Relate the story’s events to your child’s personal experiences to deepen their understanding.
Encourage empathy by discussing the emotional and physical challenges faced by the characters.
Highlight the importance of cultural awareness and discuss how learning about other cultures can be beneficial.
Use examples from the book to teach resilience and the value of overcoming adversity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The story provides insight into the life of a girl in Pakistan, highlighting cultural practices and challenges, and encouraging empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect people from different backgrounds and cultures in their own communities.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Education
Explanation: The protagonist's journey emphasizes the transformative power of education, especially for girls in restrictive environments.
Real-World Application: This lesson reinforces to children the value of education and inspires them to overcome obstacles in pursuit of learning.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: The main character demonstrates resilience by navigating significant challenges, showcasing the strength of the human spirit.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding of resilience to overcome personal challenges and tough situations in their lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy for Others' Experiences
Explanation: Through the protagonist's hardships, readers learn to empathize with others who face difficulties, understanding their situations better.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop empathy, allowing them to build stronger, more supportive relationships with peers.
Example Lesson: The Power of Hope
Explanation: The narrative is laced with hope, teaching that maintaining hope can lead to personal and collective betterment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain hopeful and positive in their daily lives, which can improve their mental and emotional well-being.