First Reaction: Though Parvana does seem like a real person to me, I do not feel that I can relate to her very well, considering I have not been in a situation as extreme as hers. I have not been separated from my family for months and have gone hungry while traveling around my country searching for them. Parvana is relatable as a human being and I am able to sympathize with the challenges she faces.
Feelings/emotions: While I sympathize with Parvana's character and hope that everything works out for her in the end, it is very difficult for me to completely understand how she feels. If I was ever separated from my family, could not find them, and worried that they were dead, I am not sure if I could maintain the strength to keep going and continue my search for them. Especially since Parvana is near starvation and is only a child, her struggle seems particularly challenging and insurmountable.
Perceptions: While I've only seen or heard of these events happening in the media, I do believe that the things Parvana went through could happen in real life. I'm sure children of war (and children in impoverished nations in general) endure many hardships and risk starvation. As Parvana herself mentions a few times throughout the novel, the adults that are supposed to be caring for them and protecting them are gone. The adults are either dead, lost, or involved in war (such as drafted for the army), so it is impossible for these children to count on them. Rather, these children must grow up quickly and learn how to survive on their own. I'm sure many children have stories similar to Parvana's, if not even more tragic.
Associations: This text reminds me of other novels about war and survival, such as Baghdad Burning, The Art of War, and even Maus.
Thoughts/Ideas: I am extremely different at home than at school. My "school self" is more reserved and quiet, while at home, I talk...a lot. I think at home I'm also more inclined to share my thoughts and ideas with my family. I feel that this difference is, at least in part, due to the amount of trust and freedom I feel with my family members.
Author: I imagine that Deborah Ellis is an extremely compassionate person who is interested in the plight of others, especially those in Afghanistan and other war-torn countries. I also believe that Deborah Ellis must like children and want to give a voice to those children who are suffering and starving like Parvana and her friends.
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