An Artistic Resilience for Education: The Red Pencil — by Andrea D. Pinkney

    

    The book entitled "The Red Pencil" written by Andrea Davis Pinkney, is published in 2014. It tells the story of Amira, a twelve-year-old girl in Sudan. She enjoys a happy life, drawing in the dirt and finding joy in simple things. But her life changes when militants threaten her village, and her family must leave due to the war. Sadly, her dreams of going to school are shattered plus she loses her father. Forced to escape to a refugee camp, where things are tough, Amira holds on to small moments of beauty, like seeing a hedgehog or getting a red pencil from a visitor named Miss Sabine. Through her art, Amira starts to heal and secretly learns to read and write with the help of Old Anwar. Even though society, particularly her mother, doesn't support girls' education, Amira bravely sets out on a risky journey to fulfill her dream of going to school in Nyala. She discovers that words have a powerful impact, changing how she sees learning. The book, written in free verse poetry, beautifully shows Amira's strength and creativity as she faces loss, finds comfort in a red pencil, and realizes how education can transform her life in the challenges of a refugee camp. This powerful story is about resilience, the healing magic of creativity, and the determination to get an education against all challenges.

 

This story is really good because it has all the qualities of a great story. The places in the story, like the farm and the camp, are described so well that they seem real and relatable. Amira, the main character, is not just a stereotype; she goes through important changes as she faces challenges from the war. The specific words used make the story feel genuine. The characters, especially Amira and her mom, show real feelings like courage, vulnerability, and change, making the story feel more real. The story talks about believable problems, like struggles with traditional roles, which connect with things happening today. The importance of education is a strong theme, reflecting what people value in modern times. The story is easy for the intended age group to understand, so readers can follow the plot. The main theme of being strong and how education can change things is clear, making this a meaningful and interesting book for young adults. The characters talk and think in a natural way that fits the setting and who they are without making things confusing, making the whole story feel real. The story ends in a way that keeps you wondering, just like how real life can be uncertain. The easy-to-understand language and conversations make it easy to get into, keeping you interested. Overall, the story blends fiction and reality, giving us insights into what matters today.

 

I strongly recommend this book for Seventh-day Adventist schools because it tells an inspiring story about how people stay strong in tough times, and we want the readers to feel that strength too. It shows how education can be a source of hope when things are hard, and it helps readers see how war can affect people and their communities. The characters in the story face challenges but stay strong, showing how education can help make the future better. The book has themes that everyone can understand, making it relatable to students from different backgrounds. It's written in a way that makes students really interested, with beautiful words and pictures. It also talks about how important education is, how being creative can help us handle tough things, and how everyone, no matter what challenges they face, can keep hoping for better times. Additionally, it makes readers think about how some people have the privilege of education while others don't. It would be a great addition to school lessons, teaching important lessons in a way that's easy to understand and interesting.