Father
What is Father's current work?
He reads and writes letters
What happens at the soccer stadium?
Me accused of stealing have their hand chopped off
Why does Shauzia's family not get along?
Her dad's parents don't like her mom but now they depend on her. They argue a lot and just sit together all day.
Now that Parvana is seen as a boy, what can she do with her family after lunch?
She and her sisters can all go outside for an hour. They can walk around as much as they want. The women can also wash the siblings. They can get water with more ease.
What was Mrs. Weera's job before the Taliban took over?
PE teacher
Why does Father get arrested?
He studied in England, meaning he has "foreign" ideas
What was Kabul like before the war and the Taliban took over?
A city of lights, progress, and excitement; people could walk down the streets eating ice cream at midnight
What is Shauzia's secret?
She will save money so she can go to France.
Why does Parvana keep on boy clothes at home?
If someone comes by the house, then she is not suspicious
What is the plan Mrs. Weera has for Parvana?
Pretend to be a boy so she can go to the market without problems
How does Father get back home?
The Taliban released him and some men put him in their karachi and brought him back
What does the Taliban force everyone to do with their windows?
Everyone must paint their windows black so no one can see the women inside
What do Shauzia and Parvana do with their bone digging money?
How does Parvana feel about Nooria's wedding? Why does her mother leave her at home?
Parvana is against it because she wants Nooria to be able to become a teacher and stay near, but ultimately supports her decision. Her mother leaves her because it would be too hard to explain her appearance to the family.
What is Mrs. Weera going to start in the apartment?
A secret school for girls
Where do Mother and Parvana look for Father?
Pul-i-Charkhi Prison
Who does Parvana find in a bombed-out building?
Homa, a young woman without a burqa who is crying
Why does mother visit Shauzia's mother?
She wants a story for the magazine
What does Parvana do for the Window Woman to tell her she is leaving. What do other people think about what she is doing?
She plants a flower. Others say it won't grow, but a man comes up to her and says the roots are strong and it will be good.
Why doesn't Mrs. Weera walk around with a man as her escort?
The Taliban don't usually question women who are alone with small children, plus she can outrun them.
What is the meaning of "Taliban"? What does Father think of this definition?
Taliban means "religious scholars" but her father says the Taliban do not promote kindness or human rights, therefore it must not be true
What did the Taliban do once they came into power? Give one example
-Books were burned
-Women could no longer work outside and there was a dress code
-Televisions were smashed
-Music was forbidden
What do Shauzia and Parvana have to look out for when using the bathroom outside?
-Anyone who may find out they are girls
-Land mines
What gift does Parvana buy Nooria?
A pen with a beaded case
Where does Mrs. Weera decide to go at the end of the book?
Pakistan