Publisher Description

Life in Amira's peaceful Sudanese village is shattered when Janjaweed attackers arrive, unleashing unspeakable horrors. After losing nearly everything, Amira needs to find the strength to make the long journey on foot to safety at a refugee camp. She begins to lose hope, until the gift of a simple red pencil opens her mind -- and all kinds of possibilities.

Author Biography

Andrea Davis Pinkney is the bestselling and award-winning author of many books for children, includingBird in a Box, Sit -In, Hand in Hand, and Martin & Mahalia. She was was recently awarded a Coretta Scott King author award and chosen to deliver the May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture, recognizing her contributions to the children's book community.Shane W. Evans is the illustrator of many books for young readers, including the Coretta Scott King award winner Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom.

Review

* "Amira's thoughts and drawings are vividly brought to life through Pinkney's lyrical verse and Evans's lucid line illustrations, which infuse the narrative with emotional intensity.... An essential purchase."
--School Library Journal
* "Pinkney faces war's horrors head on, yet also conveys a sense of hope and promise." --Publishers Weekly
* "Pinkney uses deft strokes to create engaging characters through the poetry of their observations and the poignancy of their circumstances... A soulful story that captures the magic of possibility, even in difficult times."--Kirkus Reviews
Praise for The Red Pencil:

Long Description

Life in Amira's peaceful Sudanese village is shattered when Janjaweed attackers arrive, unleashing unspeakable horrors. After losing nearly everything, Amira needs to find the strength to make the long journey on foot to safety at a refugee camp. She begins to lose hope, until the gift of a simple red pencil opens her mind -- and all kinds of possibilities.

Review Quote

Praise for The Red Pencil:

Promotional "Headline"

Andrea Pinkney's lyrical verse and Shane Evans' evocative illustrations combine in a powerful story of one girl's triumphant journey inspired by true tales of life in Sudan.

Details