Reading Metrics
Description
The novel follows nine-year-old Suleiman as he narrates his childhood in Libya during the 1970s under Qaddafi's dictatorship, focusing on how the 1969 September revolution impacts his family, the el-Dawanis. The story centers on Suleiman's relationship with his mother as they navigate the political turmoil and oppression of the regime. As an adult looking back, Suleiman recounts the events that shaped his family during this dark period in Libyan history.
Quick Summary
Set in 1970s Libya, this powerful story follows a nine-year-old boy navigating a world where he must learn to read silences and decode whispers, because saying the wrong thing to the wrong person can destroy his family. Kids will be drawn into Suleiman's secret observations of adult fears, his growing understanding of betrayal, and the mysterious disappearance of his father that haunts every page. If your kid likes "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" or "Number the Stars," they'll be captivated by this emotional journey through a child's eyes in dangerous times. This is a perfect read for teens in grades 9 through 12 who enjoy historical fiction that proves courage and loyalty can exist even in the most frightening circumstances.