Zia’s Story

Opening in Kabul with young Zia eagerly anticipating a kite competition between himself, his friends, and a group of unbeatable kite runners, Qayumi’s debut descends quickly into tragedy, one heartbreaking incident at a time. First, Zia’s father is inexplicably taken by soldiers, leaving Zia to become “the man” for his mother and all the neighborhood widows. Soon after, an explosion leaves the village without electricity. His mother no longer allows Zia to attend school, and when the Taliban forbids women and girls to be seen outdoors, she opens her own underground school. Told in Zia’s matter-of-fact voice, the story traces the dangers he and his mother endure as life in Kabul becomes unsustainable. They eventually flee Kabul and take refuge in Pakistan, where Zia unknowingly finds himself being groomed by the Taliban. A lack of historical and political context throughout raises many questions; information provided via back matter, rendered in sophisticated language, could result in further perplexity. Still, this plainspoken tale, based on the author’s experiences with her son, is an important one for readers of all ages. Shaded b&w art by Kazemi (Love Is in the Bear) accentuates the narrative’s bleak and threatening ambiance. Ages 9–12. (June)