One Boy from Kosovo
What’s inside...
Tells the story of Edi Fejzullahu and his family, Albanians who fled their home in Kosovo to live in a Macedonian refugee camp when the Serbs adopted a policy of ethnic cleansing against Albanians. When war drove twelve-year-old Edi and his family from their home in Kosovo, they fled across the Macedonian border to the Brazda refugee camp, a tent city that housed almost thirty thousand people. There the family shared a tent with more than twenty other people, with no kitchen, no running water, and no school for Edi to attend. Instead he helped out with the younger kids, played soccer with the other boys, and ran errands, such as waiting in the long lines for food and fresh water. Everybody was waiting in Brazda -- for news about relatives, for the war to end, for the day when they could finally go home again.
Age
7-9
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the boy felt when he had to leave Kosovo? Can you think of a time you felt a similar way?
What are some ways the boy tried to adapt to his new surroundings? What would you do in his place?
The boy encounters many challenges throughout the story. Which challenge do you think was the hardest for him, and why?
How did the boy’s relationship with his family and friends change throughout the book? Have you ever experienced changes in your relationships?
What did you learn about Kosovo and its culture from this book? What was the most interesting part?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in the boy’s shoes, imagining how they would feel in similar situations.
Facilitate a deeper understanding by discussing the historical and cultural context of Kosovo mentioned in the book.
Promote critical thinking by asking your child what other solutions the boy could have explored to overcome his challenges.
Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions about the book’s themes.
Discuss the importance of resilience and adaptability in new and challenging situations, drawing parallels to the boy’s experiences in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story depicts the hardships and struggles faced by a young boy from Kosovo, which helps children understand the impacts of war and displacement.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be compassionate towards classmates and friends who might come from diverse or challenging backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Hope
Explanation: The protagonist shows great courage and hope despite the difficulties in his life, inspiring readers to also remain positive in tough situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to stay resilient during personal challenges such as moving schools or dealing with family issues.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The book provides insights into life in Kosovo, which helps children gain a broader understanding of different cultures and global issues.
Real-World Application: Children can become more accepting and curious about different cultures, leading to enriched interactions with peers from various backgrounds.
Example Lesson: The Power of Storytelling
Explanation: Through the narrative, the book illustrates how storytelling can be a powerful tool to share experiences and preserve history.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to share their own stories and listen to others’, which can foster a sense of community and mutual respect at home or in the classroom.
Example Lesson: Importance of Education
Explanation: The story highlights how education can provide hope and opportunities, even in the most dire situations.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to value and pursue their education, understanding its role as a key to unlocking potential.