257 Questions
Why does Parvana sit well back on the blanket with her head and most of her face covered by her chador?
To avoid being questioned by the Taliban for being outside
What had the Taliban forbidden girls in Afghanistan to do?
Go to school
Why was Parvana always glad to go outside despite sitting for hours on a blanket at the marketplace?
It was something to do
Why does Parvana's father point to his leg when questioned by the Taliban?
To explain why Parvana is helping him walk
What did Hossain enjoy doing with Nooria?
Playing games
Where did the family have their meal?
On a plastic cloth spread out on the floor
What was Father's occupation before his school was bombed?
History teacher
Who led the Afghan troops to victory in a historical battle?
A tiny girl
What caused fear and panic among the family members?
The unexpected entry of the Taliban
What were the soldiers' accusations against Father?
Having 'foreign ideas' from his education in England
How did Mother react when the Taliban took Father away?
Shielding her children
What did Nooria share stories about?
Hossain's amicable nature and love for playing games with her
What was the setting for the family meal?
On a plastic cloth spread out on the floor
What did Parvana's father do in the marketplace?
Ran a letter-reading business
Why couldn't Parvana write to her friends who had fled the country?
She was forbidden by the Taliban
Why did Parvana want to be invisible in public places?
She was afraid of the Taliban soldiers
What did Parvana long to learn about in school?
History, which she found fascinating
Why was Parvana initially indifferent to the Taliban forbidding girls from attending school?
She had trouble with her teacher at the time
Why did Parvana's family live in a small room together?
'They couldn't afford a larger space'
What did Parvana feel about Nooria's hair?
She wanted hair like her sister's
Why did Parvana have to fetch the water?
There was nobody else in the family who could do it
Why did Parvana resent fetching water sometimes?
She felt it was unfair that she had to do it alone
What did Parvana think about the cleaning that Mother and Nooria did?
She hated all that cleaning
What did Parvana remember about their furniture?
They used to have beautiful Afghan carpets
Why did Parvana feel lonely?
Father had his books, Mother and Nooria had each other, but Parvana didn't have anybody
What is the main source of comfort and nostalgia for Parvana?
Her favorite mountain
What burden does Parvana face frequently due to her family's situation?
Fetching water due to the stairs and family size
What does Parvana and her father sell to survive?
Their belongings, including a false leg
What is Parvana's father's view on the Taliban's impact on Afghanistan?
They are not making Afghanistan a kinder place
What is the condition of the apartment building where Parvana and her father live?
Damaged with a long, damaged staircase and a water tank that often needs refilling
What makes it difficult for women in burqas to navigate in Kabul?
Street conditions
What is one of the reminders of happier times for Parvana and her family?
The father's stories of old Kabul
What is the main source of hope for Parvana and her family?
The father's stories of old Kabul and the family's laughter
What has taken control of much of Afghanistan according to the text?
The Taliban, who mean "religious scholars"
What do Parvana and her father do to survive?
Sell their belongings, including a false leg
What does Parvana's father believe religion is about?
Kindness
What is the significance of Parvana's favorite mountain?
It serves as a source of comfort and nostalgia for Parvana
Why do Parvana and her father sell their belongings?
To survive in the difficult conditions in Kabul
What makes it difficult for women in burqas to navigate the streets of Kabul?
The street conditions
What characterizes the family's interactions?
A sense of struggle and survival, with a strong sense of love and connection
Why is fetching water a heavy burden for Parvana?
Due to the stairs and the size of the family
What does Parvana's father believe about religion?
It is about kindness, but he thinks the Taliban are not making Afghanistan a kinder place
Where do Parvana and her father live?
In a damaged apartment building with a long, damaged staircase and a water tank that often needs refilling
What do Parvana's mother and sister often ask her to do?
Fetch water, which is a heavy burden due to the stairs and the size of the family.
Why does Parvana sit well back on the blanket with her head and most of her face covered by her chador?
To adhere to cultural norms and protect herself from unwanted attention.
What serves as a reminder of happier times for Parvana's family?
A kite that her father made for her brother
What did Parvana do after the Talib hit her with a stick?
She yelled at him and started to run
Why did Parvana hold up ten fingers at the bakery?
To indicate the number of loaves of bread she wanted to buy
What was Parvana's immediate reaction when the Talib confronted her about her dress?
She whirled around to face him
Why did Parvana not feel the stick hitting her shoulder?
She was filled with anger and adrenaline
What is the main source of comfort and nostalgia for Parvana?
The mountain
What does Parvana and her father sell to survive?
Their belongings
What makes it difficult for women in burqas to navigate?
Street conditions
What serves as a reminder of happier times and a source of hope for Parvana's family?
Father's stories of old Kabul and the family's laughter
What is the burden that Parvana often has to bear due to the family's living conditions?
Fetching water
What does Parvana's father believe religion is about?
Kindness
What do street conditions make difficult for women in burqas to navigate?
Movement
What do Parvana and her father sell to survive?
Their belongings
What is a source of comfort and nostalgia for Parvana?
The mountain
What does Father think about the Taliban's impact on Afghanistan?
They are not making Afghanistan a kinder place.
What was Mrs. Weera's profession before the Taliban took over?
Teacher
What did Mrs. Weera do upon arriving at Parvana's apartment?
Searched for the source of a foul smell and helped Parvana fetch water
What did Mrs. Weera encourage when they all sat down to eat?
Teamwork
What did Mrs. Weera do for Mother at the apartment?
Washed her and got her up
Who was relieved to see Mrs. Weera at Parvana's apartment?
Nooria
What did Mrs. Weera ask Parvana to do when they arrived at the apartment?
Fetch water
Why did Parvana choose a spot next to a wall in the market?
To avoid being recognized as her father's daughter
What identity was Parvana instructed to assume if asked in the market?
Her father's nephew Kaseem
What did the Taliban soldier demand from Parvana in the market?
To read a letter
Why was the Taliban soldier moved to tears after Parvana read the letter?
The letter was from his deceased wife expressing love and wishes for her niece's future
What did Parvana offer to do for the Taliban soldier after reading the letter?
Write a reply
How did the Taliban soldier react when Parvana offered to write a reply?
He declined and paid her for her services before leaving
What did Parvana reflect on after the Taliban soldier left?
The kindness she experienced from the soldier
What does Parvana purchase from the market without being discovered?
Tea, rice, and onions
What does Parvana intend to do at the market the next day?
Earn money and possibly never have to do housework again
Why does Parvana continue to wear Hossain's clothes?
She gets permission from her sister Nooria to do so permanently
What does Parvana have in the pockets of her shirt when she goes to the market disguised as a boy?
One big enough for money and candies, the other on the front
Why does Parvana experience a moment of fear when she realizes no one will recognize her as a girl?
She is concerned about being discovered
How does Parvana's family react to her disguise as a boy?
They notice that she looks better as a boy and encourage her to continue the disguise
What makes Parvana feel lonely initially?
Being unable to attend school anymore
Why does Parvana sit well back on the blanket with most of her face covered by her chador at the marketplace?
To avoid being recognized as a girl by anyone passing by
What does Parvana's family notice about her appearance when she disguises herself as a boy?
She looks better as a boy and encourage her to continue the disguise
What does Parvana intend to achieve by going to the market with her father's writing things and blanket?
Earn money and possibly never have to do housework again
How does Parvana feel after successfully purchasing groceries without being discovered?
Relieved and accomplished
Why does Parvana's mother suggest that she should be the one to go outside and buy supplies?
Because she is the one most likely to look like a boy
How does Parvana feel after her mother cuts off her long hair and helps her put on Hossain's clothes?
Surprised by how different she feels with her short hair and wearing her brother's clothes
Why does Parvana feel like her mother and Nooria are speaking in a foreign language when they discuss their plans for her?
She is shocked and confused by their plan to pass her off as a boy
What prompts Parvana to realize that she has no choice but to go along with her mother and Nooria's plan?
Her mother and Nooria have already decided for her
Why does Parvana resist at first before agreeing to go outside dressed as a boy?
She is initially shocked and confused by the idea
What makes Parvana smile at her new appearance after putting on Hossain's clothes?
Surprise at feeling different with short hair and wearing her brother's clothes
How does Parvana feel about having to act like a boy from now on?
Resigned but determined
Why did Parvana hold up ten fingers at the bakery?
To indicate the number of loaves of nan she wanted to purchase
What was Parvana's immediate reaction when the Talib soldier demanded to know who her father and husband were?
She defiantly yelled at the soldier to stop hitting her
What did Parvana do after the Talib hit her with a stick?
She yelled at him and started running
What was Parvana clutching as she ran away from the Talib soldier?
Still-warm nan bread
What was Mrs. Weera's profession before the Taliban took over?
Teacher
What did Mrs. Weera do upon arriving at Parvana's apartment?
Took charge and searched for a foul smell in the apartment
What did Mrs. Weera encourage when they all sat down to eat?
Teamwork
What did Parvana drink when they all sat down to eat?
Boiled water
What did Mrs. Weera do when she arrived at Parvana's apartment?
Took charge and searched for a foul smell in the apartment
What did Nooria ask Mrs. Weera to do when she arrived at Parvana's apartment?
'Please take charge'
'Parvana was given a cup of boiled water to drink.' What did Mrs. Weera encourage after this?
Teamwork
What did Mrs. Weera do with Mother upon arrival at Parvana's apartment?
Took charge and washed Mother, getting her up
Who stayed the night at Parvana's apartment?
Mrs. Weera and her granddaughter
What did Mrs. Weera praise Parvana for?
Her bravery in outrunning the Taliban soldier
Who was taking care of the children and their sick mother when Mrs. Weera arrived at Parvana's apartment?
'Nooria'
Why did Parvana choose a spot next to a wall in the market for her letter-reading business?
To avoid being recognized as her father's daughter
What identity was Parvana instructed to assume if asked in the market?
Her father's nephew Kaseem
Why did Parvana face difficulty in the first hour of business at the market?
Men in the market ignored her, making her feel vulnerable
What emotion did the Taliban soldier display after Parvana read the letter from his deceased wife?
Moved to tears
What did Parvana reflect on after the Taliban soldier left?
'The complexity of human emotions'
'What serves as a reminder of happier times for Parvana's family?'
The family photo
Why does Parvana's mother suggest that she should be the one to go outside and buy supplies?
Because she is the most likely to look like a boy
Why does Parvana feel like her mother and Nooria are speaking in a foreign language when discussing their plans?
She is shocked and confused by their suggestion
How does Parvana feel after cutting her long hair and wearing her brother's clothes?
Surprised by how different she feels
Why does Parvana realize she has no choice but to go along with her mother and Nooria's plan?
They have already decided for her
What prompts Parvana to smile at her new appearance?
Realizing she will have to act like a boy from now on
How does Parvana initially react to the idea of passing herself off as a boy?
She resists at first, but realizes she has no choice
What makes Parvana feel like they're speaking in a foreign language when discussing their plans?
The shock and confusion of their suggestion
What leads Parvana's mother to cut off her long hair?
To help Parvana pass off as a boy
Why does Parvana resist at first when asked to wear Hossain's clothes?
She doesn't want to deceive others about her identity
What did Parvana do when the bread ran out?
She went to work that day anyway
What did Parvana do during her days at home?
Coached Maryam on counting, tried to learn mending from Nooria, and listened to Mrs. Weera’s stories
What did Mother say about the events at the stadium?
"This goes on every Friday," Mother said. "What century are we living in?"
What does Parvana suggest as a potential business opportunity to Shauzia?
Selling items off a tray
Why are there often not enough funds for kerosene in Parvana's household?
They prioritize buying food over kerosene
What does Shauzia do as a means of earning money?
Works as a tea boy
Why does Parvana find it easier to talk about business than her father?
She feels uncomfortable discussing her father's arrest
What did Parvana and Shauzia decide to do with the money they earned from selling bones?
Keep some for themselves
Why was Parvana met with worry from her family when she returned home?
They thought she had been arrested
What was Mother's initial reaction when Parvana told her about digging up graves and earning money?
Shock
Why did Nooria support Parvana's bone-selling activities?
The family needed money for rent, propane, and fuel
Why did Mother eventually agree to let Parvana continue selling bones?
Under the condition she would share the details with the community through the magazine.
Where did Parvana hide the money she kept for herself?
In the bottom of her shoulder bag.
What caused fear in Parvana's family when she returned home?
They thought she had been arrested.
What did Mother plan to do when she found out about Parvana's bone-selling activities?
Stop Parvana from doing it.
What did Nooria argue for when she supported Parvana's bone-selling activities?
The family needed money for rent, propane, and fuel.
What condition did Mother set for allowing Parvana to continue selling bones?
Share the details with the community through the magazine.
Why does Parvana feel like her mother and Nooria are speaking in a foreign language?
She is in shock and confusion about their plan to pass her off as a boy
Why does Parvana resist at first before agreeing to go outside dressed as a boy?
She doesn't want to cut her hair
What prompts Parvana to smile at her new appearance?
Feeling different with her short hair and brother's clothes
What does Parvana's mother suggest she should do after dressing as a boy?
Go outside and buy supplies
Why does Parvana feel disconnected from her family?
Her family has made decisions without consulting her.
What makes Parvana realize she has no choice but to go along with the plan?
Seeing herself in Hossain's clothes
What is the significance of Parvana wearing Hossain's clothes?
It symbolizes the loss of her identity as a girl.
Why does Parvana feel like they're speaking in a foreign language?
She is in shock and confusion about their plan.
Why does Parvana realize she will have to act like a boy from now on?
After seeing herself in Hossain's clothes and feeling different with short hair.
What does Parvana feel after realizing that no one would ask about her since the schools closed?
Relief at not being questioned about her absence.
Why does Parvana find it difficult to resist going along with the plan?
Because she knows it is the only way to survive in the current situation.
What does Parvana intend to achieve by going to the market with her father's writing things and blanket?
Earn money and possibly never have to do housework again
Why does Parvana continue to wear Hossain's clothes?
Her family notices that she looks better as a boy and encourages her to continue the disguise
What does Parvana have in the pockets of her shirt when she goes to the market disguised as a boy?
One big enough for money and candies, the other on the front
How does Parvana feel after her mother cuts off her long hair and helps her put on Hossain's clothes?
Confident and empowered
Why did Parvana feel lonely?
Her friends were not around anymore
What was Father's occupation before his school was bombed?
Teacher
What did Nooria ask Mrs. Weera to do when she arrived at Parvana's apartment?
Take care of Parvana's baby sister
What makes it difficult for women in burqas to navigate the streets of Kabul?
The burqa limits their vision and movement
What characterizes the family's interactions?
They are supportive and encouraging of each other
Why did Parvana resent fetching water sometimes?
She felt it was unfair that she had to do it alone
What did Mrs. Weera praise Parvana for?
Her bravery and resourcefulness in going to the market disguised as a boy
What did Parvana and Shauzia discover in the cemetery?
Bones and skulls
What was Parvana's concern when she had to go to the bathroom?
Landmines
What did Shauzia joke about, reminding Parvana of her brother's death?
Landmines
What did Parvana and Shauzia use as their mascot?
A skull
What was Parvana's worry when she had to step inside a nearby ruined building?
Landmines
What did Parvana remember about the UN talk regarding landmines?
Different types of landmines, some disguised as toys to harm children
What were Parvana and Shauzia focused on while working in the cemetery?
Making money
Why did Parvana step inside a nearby ruined building?
To use the bathroom
What did Parvana and Shauzia sell to the bone broker?
Bones and skulls
What was Parvana's worry when stepping inside a nearby ruined building?
Landmines
What did Parvana remember about her brother while discussing landmines with Shauzia?
His death due to a landmine explosion
What did Parvana and Shauzia start selling after leaving their letter-reading post in the graveyard?
Cigarettes, chewing gum, and matches
Where did Parvana and Shauzia decide to sell their goods one day?
At a soccer game in the stadium
What did Parvana and Shauzia witness when they arrived at the stadium to sell their goods?
Taliban soldiers executing prisoners by amputating their hands
How did Parvana react after witnessing the gruesome sight at the stadium?
She took a few days off to be with her family and recover from the traumatic experience
What did Parvana and Shauzia learn while selling goods in the markets of Kabul?
They learned to navigate Kabul and its people
How has Parvana changed as a result of her experiences in Kabul?
She has become more independent and determined, adapting to the harsh realities of life in Kabul
Who does Parvana spend her afternoons with after leaving her letter-reading post?
Nooria and the little ones
How does Parvana feel about Nooria's attitude towards her?
Nooria has become kinder towards her
Who escorted Parvana and Shauzia out of the stadium after witnessing the gruesome sight?
A kind man
What did Parvana do during her time off after witnessing the gruesome sight at the stadium?
She took a few days off to be with her family and recover from the traumatic experience
What does Mrs. Weera propose to start for girls to learn?
A secret school
Who expresses interest in teaching at the secret school?
Nooria
What news does Shauzia share with Parvana about making money?
Bone-digging
What does the Window Woman give to Parvana?
A handkerchief
What does Mrs. Weera share her plans to smuggle out of the country for publication?
Stories about girls
Where do Parvana and Shauzia discuss the possibility of starting a business?
In their apartment
What does Shauzia share with Parvana about her home life?
She lives with in-laws
What do Parvana and Shauzia laugh at when discussing Mrs. Weera's proposal?
The idea of a secret field hockey school
What does Parvana express concern about but still follows Shauzia to the site?
Bone-digging
Who invites Shauzia to meet her family?
Parvana
What did Parvana receive from the Window Woman?
A handkerchief
What did Parvana and Shauzia start selling after leaving their letter-reading post?
Cigarettes, chewing gum, and matches
Where did Parvana and Shauzia decide to sell their goods one day?
At a soccer game in the stadium
What did Parvana take a few days off to do?
Be with her family and recover from a traumatic experience
What has Parvana become as a result of her experiences in Kabul?
More independent and determined
What did Parvana and Shauzia witness at the stadium?
Taliban soldiers executing prisoners by amputating their hands
What did Parvana and Shauzia learn during their time selling goods in the markets?
To navigate Kabul and its people
How did Nooria's behavior change towards Parvana?
She became kinder towards her
Who escorted Parvana and Shauzia out of the stadium after witnessing the gruesome sight?
A kind man
What did Parvana do during her afternoons after starting to sell goods?
Spent time with Nooria and the little ones in the middle of the day
How does Parvana manage to make a living after leaving their letter-reading post?
By selling cigarettes, chewing gum, and matches in the markets of Kabul
What does the text depict about life in Kabul under Taliban rule?
The harsh conditions and brutality of the Taliban regime
What did Parvana and Shauzia discover in the cemetery that they used as a mascot?
A skull
Why was Parvana worried about going to the bathroom?
Landmines
What did Parvana remember about the UN talk while working in the cemetery?
Different types of landmines, some disguised as toys
What did Shauzia joke about, reminding Parvana of her brother's death?
Landmines
What is the main purpose of Mrs. Weera proposing to start a secret school for girls?
To provide education for girls in a time of Taliban restrictions
What does Mrs. Weera plan to smuggle out of the country for publication?
Stories about girls
What does Shauzia share as a potential way to make money?
Bone-digging
What does Nooria express interest in doing at the secret school proposed by Mrs. Weera?
Teaching
What does Parvana receive from the Window Woman?
A handkerchief
What is the initial reaction of Parvana and Shauzia to Mrs. Weera's proposal of starting a secret school for girls?
They laugh at the idea of a secret field hockey school in their apartment.
Why does Parvana express concern about bone-digging?
Because it is illegal under Taliban rule
What did Parvana often do when accompanying Nooria to the secret school?
Carry her little brother Ali
Who was the teacher at the secret little school started by Mother's and Mrs. Weera's women's group?
Nooria
What did the Taliban do if they discovered any school?
Close it down
Why was Nooria very careful about the secret school she taught at?
The Taliban would close down any school they discovered
What does Parvana intend to achieve by going to the market with her father's writing things and blanket?
To earn money and possibly never have to do housework again
Why does Parvana continue to wear Hossain's clothes?
Her family notices that she looks better as a boy and encourages her to continue the disguise
Why does Parvana experience a moment of fear when she realizes no one will recognize her as a girl?
She fears being discovered and punished for breaking gender norms
What does Parvana successfully purchase from the market without being discovered?
Tea, rice, and onions
What does Parvana's family notice about her appearance when she disguises herself as a boy?
She looks better as a boy and encourages her to continue the disguise.
What does Parvana intend to do permanently with her sister Nooria's permission?
Continue wearing Hossain's clothes
What does Parvana have in the two pockets of her shirt when she goes to the market?
One big enough for money and candies, the other on the front.
Why does Parvana initially feel lonely after assuming a boy's disguise?
No one recognizes her as a girl.
What action does Parvana take the next day that reveals something about her?
She is determined to contribute to her family's income.
What did Parvana buy for Nooria before leaving Taliban territory?
A pen
Where did Parvana meet a woman named Kaseem who was pretending to be a boy?
In a bombed-out building during a rainstorm
How did Parvana spend her free time after leaving Taliban territory?
Reading her father's books and spending time with Shauzia
What did Parvana do after discovering that Kaseem was a girl without a burqa?
Helped her hide from potential trouble
What did Parvana offer the frightened woman to eat while they waited in the dark?
Dried fruit and nuts
What did Parvana wish she had brought with her for the frightened woman?
Her pattu
Why did Parvana want to move close to the door while waiting in the dark?
To see their way out to the street without lighting a match
What was Kabul like at night according to the text?
Dark due to curfew and non-functioning street lights
"The Taliban has captured Mazar." What is significant about this statement?
"The Taliban has captured Mazar." is significant because it indicates a major shift in the control of a city.
What is Mrs. Weera's response upon learning about Homa's situation?
She immediately offers assistance and comfort to Homa.
What does Mrs. Weera do upon Homa's arrival at Parvana's apartment?
She takes Homa into the wash-room and provides her with clean clothes.
What does Homa reveal about herself after eating supper?
She escaped from Mazar-e-Sharif after it was captured by the Taliban.
What does Mrs. Weera ask Parvana to do before leaving for work?
Fetch water to wash Homa's clothes.
How does Parvana respond upon learning about the capture of Mazar by the Taliban?
Parvana expresses shock and concern for her family in Mazar.
What does Homa do after witnessing her family's murder?
She hides in a closet and stays there for a long time
What does Homa find when she leaves the closet?
Bodies of her family and others on the street
Where does Homa eventually find a hiding place?
In a truck
Who tries to comfort Homa after finding her inconsolable?
Parvana
Who convinces Parvana to come back to work in the market after the traumatic event?
Shauzia
What does Parvana's family decide to do for Nooria's wedding?
Leave Parvana behind in Kabul
What does Shauzia suggest about starting over?
The people should rebuild their lives from scratch
Who will be accompanying Parvana's family as an official escort to Mazar-e-Sharif?
A woman from their women's group and her husband
What does Nooria assure Parvana about the move to Mazar-e-Sharif?
Everything will be fine
What is the significance of Nooria moving to Mazar-e-Sharif?
Girls can still go to school in Mazar-e-Sharif
What does Parvana do when she hears a disturbance above her at the market?
Receives a letter from a man
Why does Parvana express her dissatisfaction about staying in Kabul?
She feels lonely and isolated
What kind of support will Nooria receive for her education in Mazar-e-Sharif?
Financial support from her family and opportunity to attend university
What gifts does Parvana regularly receive at the market?
Small gifts from Window Woman through her blanket
What does Shauzia share with Parvana about life?
Her dissatisfaction with life and desire for change
What is the reason for Nooria moving to Mazar-e-Sharif?
Girls can still go to school in Mazar-e-Sharif unlike in Kabul where they are forbidden from attending school by the Taliban.
Study Notes
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The text is about a woman named Parvana and her experiences in Afghanistan after her school was bombed, leaving her father injured and her unable to attend school.
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Parvana's father had lost part of his leg and was often tired from the bombing.
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Parvana was afraid of the Taliban soldiers and wanted to be invisible in public places.
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Mail delivery had recently resumed in Afghanistan, but Parvana couldn't write to her friends who had fled the country.
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Parvana's father was a literate man who ran a letter-reading business in the marketplace.
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The marketplace was a bustling place where men shopped and peddlers hawked their goods and services.
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Parvana longed to attend school and learn history, which she found fascinating, and dreamed of running around in the marketplace.
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Afghanistan had a long history of being invaded by various conquerors, including the Persians, Greeks, Arabs, Turks, British, and Soviets.
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The Taliban took over the country and forbade girls from attending school, but Parvana was initially indifferent to this as she had trouble with her teacher at the time.
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Parvana's family had been displaced several times due to bombs and lived in a small room together.
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The war in Afghanistan had been ongoing for over twenty years.
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The Soviets bombed Afghanistan shortly after Parvana was born, and after they left, various factions continued to fight, resulting in more bombings and deaths.
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Parvana's life in Kabul has been marked by constant bombing and conflict.
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The Taliban, who mean "religious scholars," have taken control of much of the country.
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Parvana's father believes religion is about kindness, but he thinks the Taliban are not making Afghanistan a kinder place.
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Despite fewer bombs, there is still a war in the north and many destroyed buildings in Kabul.
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Parvana and her father sell their belongings to survive, including a false leg that was sold to a customer for a high price.
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Street conditions make it difficult for women in burqas to navigate, but Parvana's favorite mountain remains a source of comfort and nostalgia.
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Parvana and her father live in a damaged apartment building, with a long, damaged staircase and a water tank that often needs refilling.
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Parvana's mother and sister often ask her to fetch water, which is a heavy burden due to the stairs and the size of the family.
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The family's interactions are characterized by a sense of struggle and survival, with a strong sense of love and connection.
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The father's stories of old Kabul and the family's laughter serve as a reminder of happier times and a source of hope.
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Parvana, a young Afghan girl, wears her deceased brother Hossain's clothes to disguise herself as a boy and go to the market to buy groceries.
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She has two pockets in her shirt, one big enough for money and candies, the other on the front.
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Parvana's family notices that she looks better as a boy and encourages her to continue the disguise.
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Parvana experiences a moment of fear when she realizes no one will recognize her as a girl, but soon gains confidence and walks boldly through the market.
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She successfully purchases tea, rice, and onions without being discovered and returns home to be praised for her shopping skills.
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Parvana continues to wear Hossain's clothes and gets permission from her sister Nooria to do so permanently.
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The next day, Parvana goes to the market with her father's writing things and blanket, intending to earn money and possibly never have to do housework again.
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Parvana drifts off to sleep, hearing her mother and Nooria discussing plans to pass her off as a boy.
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They plan to have Parvana wear Hossain's clothes and cut her long hair.
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Parvana is shocked and confused, feeling like they're speaking in a foreign language.
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They explain that since she hasn't been seen since the schools closed, no one would ask about her.
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Parvana's mother suggests that since she's the one most likely to look like a boy, she should be the one to go outside and buy supplies.
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Parvana resists at first, but realizes she has no choice as her mother and Nooria have already decided.
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In the washroom, Parvana's mother cuts off her long hair and helps her put on Hossain's clothes.
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Parvana is surprised by how different she feels with her short hair and wearing her brother's clothes.
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Parvana smiles at her new appearance and puts on the clothes, knowing she will have to act like a boy from now on.
-
Parvana drifts off to sleep, hearing her mother and Nooria discussing plans to pass her off as a boy.
-
They plan to have Parvana wear Hossain's clothes and cut her long hair.
-
Parvana is shocked and confused, feeling like they're speaking in a foreign language.
-
They explain that since she hasn't been seen since the schools closed, no one would ask about her.
-
Parvana's mother suggests that since she's the one most likely to look like a boy, she should be the one to go outside and buy supplies.
-
Parvana resists at first, but realizes she has no choice as her mother and Nooria have already decided.
-
In the washroom, Parvana's mother cuts off her long hair and helps her put on Hossain's clothes.
-
Parvana is surprised by how different she feels with her short hair and wearing her brother's clothes.
-
Parvana smiles at her new appearance and puts on the clothes, knowing she will have to act like a boy from now on.
-
Parvana and Shauzia, old classmates, walk and reminisce about school days.
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Parvana invites Shauzia to meet her family.
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Shauzia shares her struggling home life, living with in-laws.
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Mrs. Weera, Parvana's mother, expresses concern for Shauzia's education.
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Mrs. Weera proposes starting a secret school for girls to learn.
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Parvana and Shauzia laugh at the idea of a secret field hockey school in their apartment.
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Mrs. Weera shares her plans to smuggle stories about girls out of the country for publication.
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Nooria, a friend, expresses interest in teaching at the secret school.
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Parvana and Shauzia discuss the possibility of starting a business.
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Parvana receives a handkerchief from the Window Woman, and Shauzia shares news of a way to make money through bone-digging.
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Parvana expresses concern about bone-digging but follows Shauzia to the site.
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Parvana regularly receives small gifts from a woman named Window Woman through her blanket at the market.
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One day, Parvana hears a disturbance coming from above her and is given a letter by a man.
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Parvana's sister Nooria is getting married and will be moving to Mazar-e-Sharif where girls can still go to school.
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Nooria's family is well-educated and will financially support her education and even send her to university.
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Parvana's family is leaving for Mazar-e-Sharif for the wedding, but they decide to leave Parvana behind.
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Parvana is unhappy about staying in Kabul and expresses her dissatisfaction to her friend Shauzia.
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Shauzia shares her own dissatisfaction with life and suggests that someone should drop a bomb on the country to start again.
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Parvana's family will be accompanied by a woman from their women's group and her husband as the official escort to Mazar-e-Sharif.
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Nooria packs her belongings for the move and assures Parvana that everything will be fine.
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