Razia's Ray of Hope: One Girl's Dream of an Education by Elizabeth Suneby (author) and Suana Verelst (illustrator) (UK edition)

Reminiscent of Malala Yousafzai’s campaign for female education in Pakistan, Razia’s Ray of Hope is the story of one girl’s dream of getting an education and attending a new school in her village in Afghanistan. But her father and brother are against the idea. Can she persuade them that it is a good idea?

Razia falls asleep every night dreaming of going to school like her brothers Jamil and Karim. So when she learns that a girls’ school is being built just down the road from her home, she is filled with hope…

Exploring the themes of education, war, poverty and cultural traditions, this is a compelling story of one girl’s aspirations to go to school in Afghanistan during the Taliban regime. It is a moving account of how she finally persuades her father and older brother to let her go.

Beautifully illustrated, with gentle, accessible text, this is the perfect book to spark discussion with children about education and cultural differences around the world. Children will relate to, and identify with Razia and her story, making this an ideal resource for promoting cultural awareness and tolerance.

Razia Jan, who appears in the story, founded the Kabuli Education Centre in Afghanistan to offer local girls an education.