“You are a man now, take care of your mother,” Zia’s father whispered to Zia just as he is arrested—never to return home. Soon after that, in 1989, the Russians pull out of Afghnaistan, and the country falls into civil war. After the Taliban took over, women were not allowed to work, nor could girls go to school. Zia’s Story is based on the author’s own experiences as a young mother having to flee an Afghanistan torn apart by war with her young son.

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About the Author:

Shahnaz Qayumi was born and raised in Kabul. Zia’s Story is her first book for young people and is closely based on other Afghans and her as a refugee from war-torn Afghanistan. After fleeing Afghanistan, she found refuge in Canada. She now lives in Vancouver and teaches at Langara University.

About the Illustrator:

Nahid Kazemi is an artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. She has published many award-winning children’s books and was nominated for the Governor General’s Literary Award and the 2020 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Her recent publications include Just Bea and Arab Fairy Tale Feasts for Tradewind Books. She has exhibited her work around the world. Nahid lives in Montreal.