The Red Pencil

Amira, a young girl from Darfur, dreams of going to school. Her peaceful life is disrupted when her village is attacked by the Janjaweed. After losing nearly everything, she embarks on a difficult journey to a refugee camp, armed only with a red pencil. With the support of her mother and the strength she finds within herself, Amira navigates the challenges of the camp. The gift of a simple red pencil opens her mind to all kinds of possibilities, ultimately leading to her triumph against all odds. This tale is brought to life by the powerful verse of New York Times bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney and the breathtaking illustrations of Coretta Scott King Award-winning artist Shane W. Evans.