Chapter 1: 1) How has life changed for Parvana's family in 10 years?
2) Imagine that suddenly you were not allowed to go to school. How would you feel after the first day? After the first month? After a year?
Chapter 2: 1) Why do you think the books are so important to the family? What do they represent?
2) Draw a sketch of the room where the family lives and its contents.
3) What happened to Hossain, the oldest brother? How does his loss affect the family?
Chapter 3:
1) Why did the Taliban order all windows to be painted over with black paint?
2) What character traits has Parvana shown so far in the novel?
Chapter 4: 1) What has happened to Parvana's mother?
2) "Everybody leans on everybody in this family." What does this mean for Parvan's family - literally and metaphorically.
Chapter 5: 1) What are your first impressions of Mrs. Weera? Describe her character and explain what actions Mrs. Weera does to confirm your judgement of her character.
2) Parvana is responsible for bringing in water for her family. Why is this such and important and tiring job? Why must the water be boiled before they drink it?
3) Research Task: Find a community in Canada that does not have safe drinking water. Why is it not safe? What is being done for this community?