Synopses & Reviews
Eleven-year-old Zana enjoys her village life in Kosovo, even though she never feels entirely safe. Her family of Kosovo-born Albanians are ruled by the Serbian police and army. They want to destroy anyone fighting for an independent Kosovo. When bombs explode around Zanas village, her life fills with terror and tragedy. Still she remembers her fathers words: “Dont let them fill your heart with hate.” But thats hard when those that were her friends are now her enemies.
About the Author
Alice Mead is the author of Junebug, Junebug and the Reverend, Adems Cross, and Soldier Mom.
Reading Group Guide
The Reality of War
Social studies classes study the worlds wars and the impact war has on a global society. Students learn about ancient wars and the more modern wars that have been fought in the name of freedom. They know about the American Revolution, the Civil War, and World Wars I and II. Some students know about the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict, and the Persian Gulf War. Before the events of September 11, 2001, students in Americas schools knew little about the personal tragedies related to war. War was simply something that happened in books, in another time, and on foreign lands. Now, war surrounds them–on television, radio, and in film. Some know firsthand what it feels like to lose a parent to terrorists, and others wait eagerly in front of the television in hopes of gaining a glimpse of a family member or friend who may be in the Iraqi desert or on the streets of Baghdad. Like the main characters in the novels in this guide, the innocence of Americas children has been marked by violence. A new page of history is being written every day, and it is being done before the eyes of the worlds youngest citizens.
For this reason, it is extremely important that parents and teachers talk with children about war, and offer hope that the world might someday find a peaceful solution to global conflict. Sometimes it is difficult to find the words to explain the complex issues of war, but books are always a good way to spark understanding and conversation. This guide offers discussion for the following books: The Gadget by Paul Zindel; Girl of Kosovo by Alice Mead; Lord of the Nutcracker Men by Iain Lawrence; Flags of our Fathers by James Bradley with Ron Powers, adapted for young people by Michael French; Forgotten Fire by Adam Bagdasarian; and For Freedom by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
Pre-Reading Activity
Engage students in a discussion about the recent war in Iraq, and how it was reported in the news. Divide the class into three groups, and assign each group one of the major newspapers or magazines to read. Ask that they read a few issues of the publications during the time of the war and take note of the major headlines, the views of the journalists, etc. Allow students time at the end of each week to share their findings. What conclusions can be drawn about the role of journalists in war?
1. “Generosity is the first step toward peace” is a Buddhist saying that appears at the beginning of the book. Explain how this saying relates to the novel. How is it good advice for national and world citizens and leaders today?
2. Zana asks, “How was it that foreigners could come take pictures of us when we were dead, but couldnt come to help us stay alive?” (p. 27) Discuss how Zanas question displays anger and bitterness toward foreign journalists. Ask the group to debate why journalists feel it necessary to focus on such horrific devastation to human lives.
3. Papa says, “Listen, Zana, dont let them [the Serbs] fill your heart with hate. Whatever happens. Promise me that. Will you?” (p. 13) Discuss moments in the novel when Zana cannot control her hatred toward the Serbs. How does hatred between the Albanians and the Serbs affect Zanas friendship with Lena Goran?
4. Zana learns to control her anger at the end of the novel when she is reunited with Lena. Ilir is still angry and along with his uncle, he threatens the Goran family. Discuss how Zena helps the Gorans. How does Zana learn that friendship transcends all negative emotions? What does Dr. Rob teach Zana about friendship and dealing with anger?
5. Zana says, “Calling Albanians terrorists gave them the right to kill us anytime they wanted to.” (p. 16) Define terrorism. How might the Serbs be labeled terrorists? Describe how Zana and her family feel terrorized throughout the novel. How does terror play a role in Lenas family leaving Kosovo?
6. When a Serbian policeman is shot, Zana says, “All Albanians would suffer for the actions of one. That was how it was.” (p. 15) How does Zanas comment relate to the treatment of Muslims in the United States after the events of September 11, 2001? Explain the term profiling. Ask students to discuss the injustice of profiling.
For more activities on Images of War, see these titles: For Freedom by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Lord of the Nutcracker by Iain Lawrence, Girl of Kosovo by Alice Mead, Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley with Ron Powers adapted for young people by Michael French, The Gadget by Paul Zindel, and Forgotten Fire by Adam Bagdasarian.
Prepared by Pat Scales, Director of Library Services, the South Carolina Governors School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville, SC.