Courageous and Resilient Characters

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Reading Age: 12+

A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseni, is a deeply moving story about two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives come together through hardship and resilience. Set during times of war and political turmoil, the novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the strength of women. Khaled Hosseini’s writing is emotional and powerful, making this a heartbreaking but unforgettable read. I highly recommend this novel!

Resist

Reading Age: 8+

Resist is a gripping short story by best-selling author Alan Gratz, author of the popular book, Refugee. Resist follows a young resistance fighter, Samira, during World War II on D-Day. Through this short, action-packed story, Alan Gratz highlights the bravery of Samira and teens who stood up to the Nazis in different ways. The book is fast-paced, emotional, and shows how even small acts of courage can make a big difference. A powerful and inspiring read for fans of historical fiction.

Refugee

Reading Age: 10+

Refugee is a powerful and emotional novel that follows the journeys of three young refugees from different time periods: Josef, a Jewish boy fleeing Nazi Germany; Isabel, a Cuban girl escaping the Castro regime in 1994; and Mahmoud, a Syrian boy running from civil war in 2015. Alan Gratz weaves their stories together masterfully, showing the heartbreak, hope, and courage found in the face of unimaginable hardship. This book is both eye-opening and deeply moving, reminding readers of the human cost of war and the strength of those who survive it. This was a novel I read years ago and still think about, due to the impact it has has on any reader.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Reading age: 10+

Based on a True Story, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind follows William Kamkwamba, a young Malawian boy who uses his curiosity and determination to build a windmill to save his village from famine. This novel highlights the power of education, innovation, and hope in overcoming adversity. It’s a heartfelt and uplifting read that shows how one person’s ideas can make a big difference.