What are the potential benefits of using international books with children and young adults? Are there any downsides? Can children get excited about reading books set in other countries, or books that are actually from other countries?
Amazing story about a young woman coming of age in Pakistan… but also about every girl’s right to pursue her dream. Find out more at Qamar’s website http://www.amjedqamar.com/Home.php
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I feel as though “Beneath My Mother’s Feet by Amjed Qamar is such a deep story. The things that occur during this book are such heavy issues that it captures the reader and intrigues them to read on. Nazia has dreams like all teenage girls of how their life is going to develop, but all that changes when her father gets injured. This story is so real that it shows the reader that you always have to be ready for the unexpected. I would definitely recommend this book. The issues in the book are so compelling and Nazia’s feelings/worries are so real. If I had the opportunity to use this in my classroom I defintely would. The book’s international feel gives an outlook on a place that a lot of your students don’t know and gives the perpective from a poverty stricken person which some of your students could connect to. I would have the students read Nazia’s story and make a journal entries as though they were her and going through this and how that would make them feel.
I would have to agree. I stronly reccomend every teenage girl read this novel. It sends a powerful message to girls everywhere, ‘follow your heart and do not let anything stop you’. The novel lets girls know that it is okay to want to go against their parents best wishes, that you can have a mind of your own and it is up to you to decide your life’s path.
Yea,you’re right. Girls shouid follow their hearts.Sing your songs, and dream your dreams, hope your hope and pray your prayer. As the saying goes: ” whatever other people say, just be yourself.” But it’s hard, and sometimes the fact proves that your mum is right. So make decision and take the consequence.
I would have to agree with your post also. I think it is important for girls to realize they are able to do anything if they put their mind to it. Even boys could read this and understand you don’t have to do everything your parents want you to do but you still must be respectful to your parents. I think this is a great book for teachers to include in the classroom.
“Beneath My Mother’s Feet” by Amjed Qamar is a heartbreaking, beautifully told story set in Pakistan that delves into the life of fourteen year old Nazia. Poised on the brink of womanhood- and in a cultural twist, marriage- Nazia has never dared question her future. As she’s told time and time again, her mother chooses her fate, and she never has reason to doubt the inevitability of her future until her life crumbles around her. The issues in the story are real, and complex, and interesting. Older students would want to read this book not only because of its plotline, but because of its insight into other cultures, how other young girls live in other countries. They would be shocked that a fourteen year old is about to be married, let alone to her cousin. They would share in her triumphs and join in Nazia’s sorrow. Moreso than anything, students will join Nazia on her journey to self-discovery and realization that her fate is in her own hands. It is a book that teachers should have in their classroom as it is transdisciplinary- touching not only on literature but on geography and Social Studies (Culture). It has something for teachers and students alike!
Taylor I must agree. This book is definately one to have in the classroom as it hits so many topics that students are not culturally aware of currently in the classroom. It is interesting that as she starts to question her future, it seemingly falls apart.The ending in which her mother empowers her to leave and better herself would be a great message to send to students.
I think this is a great book to show children they do not have to do what their parents want them to do. I think teaching students about culture is also very important which is why I would include this book in my classroom library. This book can be incorporated across the curriculum.
I also agree with this post. This book can be useful for teachers and also for students. There are many lessons that Nazia learns throughout this story. All which would be important for students to learn about and teachers to bring up in conversation.
Taylor I completely agree. This book touches on so many social and cultural topics that most people would never think about. I think because the issues in the story are real that this adds to the relationship the reader has with Nazia. This book can be incorporated in many different context and would be useful for students to read.
I agree with the thoughts regarding the story. It is a wonderful read for many young readers to learn about another culture and to compare to their own lives. What correlations do they have, how different is their own lives to that of a young girl in Pakistan about to be married. I think the story touches on how Nazia follows her mothers way and obeys her but eventually needs to take a stand and decided her own path.
I agree, I think the issues addressed in this novel are deep and heavy issues that the reader wants to keep reading. I think this book has so many twists and turns the reader is constantly engaged and does not know what to expect. I think the international aspect of this book makes it a perfect fit for the classroom because it will expose the students to a different culture. They will start to appreciate what they have while also experiencing a life changing event for this girl without ever leaving the classroom!
Corey I completely agree with you. I feel that this would be a fantastic book to use in the classroom in relation to talking about culture. This book brings such a good insight on how others live in comparison to how we live. I feel that students could make great connections between their lives and the life of Nazia. I think that having students make journal entries as they read Nazia’s story is a great was to have students connect and give their personal opinions about what they are reading.
I agree, “Beneath My Mother’s Feet” by Amjed Qamar does a great job showing the struggle that occurs in Pakistan. Obviously this does not occur in every situation; but this is an extreme. Nazia’s dream becomes crushed when she can no longer go to school and she needs to become a maid to help out her family. This story is appropriate for teenagers because these years are extremely difficult and Nazia’s story proves that they will be okay. Many students will be able to easily relate to Nazia’s feelings so I believe the journal response as if they were Nazia is the perfect prompt for teenage writers.
I completely agree with your statements Corey. I truly enjoyed this book. Reading books in the classroom that offer students to travel and see life in another culture is crucial. I feel like as a future teacher, by reading these international books, we are building those bridges of acceptance between culture so that an understanding is made. Reading Nazia’s story gives students an experience that they may not have known even happens around the world. Books are a way for children to truly see what all the world has out there to offer. Having a girl main character who challenges the authority in her life is huge in a middle eastern culture. It goes to show students that having a say is important and that standing up for what you believe in is what everyone needs to do. I would love for my future class to read such a powerful story.
I agree with you Corey, this girl was 14 n was forced to grow up entirely too quickly. Its good for everyone, students and parents. It shows that a mothers struggle with wanting her to live her dreams, and doing what is best for her, and letting her make her own decisions. I couldn’t put this down, it was a easy read, but very interesting, the descriptions were real and i could invision the whole story. I really like what you said with the journal entries. What do you think is the best part of the book?
I don’t know if it’s the “best part” but its the most heart-felt for me. When Nazia finds out they have lost the home, the only home she has ever known. I have never been in that type of situation and don’t know many people who have. That particular part just broke my heart. I know that have students who have to deal with something like this right now and it made me just that more concerned and connected to them.
I feel as though the journal entries are a great idea, and I could see my future students doing that activity with journals with emphasis on adjectives. This book involves so many emotions and children can learn about how word choices can evoke more emotion in a reader. This book is very relatable, and with our country still being in an economic slump, this is a time when children have to grow up and provide for their family.
Yea i know what you mean, it was pretty sad, I’ve seen it happen before and it is a horrible feeling not knowing where you are going to go and what is going to happen. Also I think it was sad that her future marriage is jeopardized because she is a maid, but she is doing what she can to help her family. What I did love about this book was what Nazia ultimately learns about herself, she finds that she is a strong, honorable girl who really does have some choices. She realizes that she has to be true to herself, no matter how difficult that choice proves to be. This book would b amazing for a classroom, especially girls that feel like they can’t deal with things.
“Beneath My Mothers Feet” by Amjed Qamar, is a novel about a 14 year old girl named Nazia, who has her future planned out for her by her mother and father. She is a young child living in Pakistan, and faces difficult times due to accidents and poor decisions some of her family members have made. She is a dutiful daughter who matures fast because she misses out on childhood experiences and is forced to grow up and provide for her family. This story is a powerful and relatable; many people are forced to provide for their families. This book involves religion and Nazia’s obligations to her faith, as well as, economic and environmental influences. This novel is a great tool for young adult readers to use to get insight into a different culture. After the events that took place on 9/11/01, many people became racist towards Muslims, and because of the setting and characters of this book, individuals can became connected and understand that the lives of the people in the Middle East are not much different than the ones that can be found in the United States. This book is not only great for young adult readers, it is also attractive for adult mothers because it deals with issues that each and every mother must face, which is wanting what is best for your child while also giving them the opportunity to make their own choices. Nazia wanted to make her own decisions and thought that she knew what was best, which is topic many children can relate to. Concerns about family and friends, and being embarrassed when fincial difficulties come up are also two themes readers can relate to
I agree this novel gives people who are ignorant to other cultures insight to how much they are like people of other cultures. Although religion, colthes, and way of life are different, people of different cultures experince the same life situations as other cultures. Life happens to everyone not just one specific race or culture of people. And this novel was an excellant example of that.
Courtney, I must agree that it is a great read for all ages. It is one that kept me interested in what would happen to Nazia and her family particularly when her father left. It is hard for people who have grown up in the United States to sometimes look beyond into another culture and see the hardships that they have gone through as well.
I could not agree with you more. I think 9/11/01 gave people the wrong impression of Muslims and their culture. While this was a horrible tragedy, it is important for students to realize that there is an entire other aspect of this culture that can directly relate to their lives. I also like how you talked about the mother-daughter relationship because it can be a great read for mothers and daughters. They can hold discussions and talk about some of the very real hardships this mother-daughter pair are facing.
Courtney I agree with everything that you are saying. I agree that this story is not only very powerful, but also very relatable. I think that it is interesting that you brought up 9/11 because I feel that this is something that people need to understand. We judge everyone of that one culture based on mistakes that a couple people in that culture made. I think this story gives a great insight on that culture and how they live just like we do. Great connections can be made throughout this story and also gives children the issues that they are going to face later in life. This story shows children that they have to make decisions later in their life and that the decisions that they make can positively or negatively affect their future.
There have been so much turmoil and anger directed towards those in the Middle East that I also think this story allows insight for others who live in this region. Not everyone is dangerous and families are just trying to survive. By reading this young readers can see that other young girls struggle with many things not different from their own lives. Wanting to stretch their wings but with family obligations. A wonderful story for young girls to read and connect with.
Ms Qamar writing draws you in and gives you a picture of life in a Pakistani town. The book helps the readers gain a better understanding of their culture, their deep loyalty to family and their everyday ways of life. I instantly fall in love with Nazia, who is just a young girl enjoying school, friends, her family and the every day risks and adventures of growing up. That is until her mother takes her out of school so she can help earn money for the family, after her father is unable to work. Nazia’s experiences teach her many things, tests her own loyalty to her family and teaches her how to deal with personal struggles. This book was an amazing read, especially for young girls.
I loved reading this book, I could not put it down. I like reading about differnt cultures because I love to learn new things. I had an idea of how women are treated in other countries but I did not know a lot. Nazia is a bery strong and loyal daughter/person. For her to give up her dreams and do shameful things and still maintain her dreams is amazing. Many children who are more fortunate do not know how difficult not being able to have your own thoughts because you must do as others say is sad because it makes them ungrateful. I would recommend this book as a must read.
Yes, I agree with you the representation of the culture in this book was great. There are so many times when cultures are not represented in the book and when they are they are usually stereotypical. I would love to have this book in my library in my room for this reason. Also, it has those real life connections with the children showing them if they are going through hard times there is most likely someone else going through the same thing, somewhere.
i totally agree that it is so important that the students know that someone else is going through the same thing as them. Especially ELL students, it would be so cool if they could read this and then respond to it by relating it to their own life.
Cierra, I agree with all of your thoughts. This book is a must read if you enjoy learning about other cultures. I also learned a lot from this book, because I was unaware of the ways of some of the cultures and traditions, especially from Pakistan. You feel thankful that in the United States women are not asked to do such horrible things. We have more freedom and can make our own choices for the most part. I feel bad that Nazia had to go through all of the things she did at a young age. She is a child, she should enjoy her life and yet she couldn’t because she as forced to grow up so quickly.
I agree with this post. This book has defiantly taught me a lot about a culture I do not know. I believe that this book would be great to use with students to expose them to a different culture. Many of these topics would be very tough to discuss without a story line. Using this book in the classroom would be a great way for students to look at the cultural differences.
I agree with your post Cierra. I loved this book so much because it really opens up the world to children about women and their treatment. Many children do not have conversations at home about such topics because their families do not talk about that or simply they do not even know. Having a book that opens up such strong discussions is so important to incorporate into the curriculum so that students world views are established. Our world views of other cultures are always changing, but through literature a student is able to connect to character and appreciate their struggles. The text does not add in all the media content that they may see on the news, so students really build a connection with these people who for their entire life thought they were so different.
I couldn’t agree with Cierra more. This book was incredibly good and so insightful. It really puts things into persepective considering the fact that our culture is absolutely nothing like Nazia’s. And because it is not anything like ours, while I was reading, I continued to find myself picturing what it would be like if I were in Nazia’s position and what I would do. Nazia had to deal with many struggles that no one would know what they would do unless they were actually in that position, but from reading this book, it makes you aware of the fact that even though your parents have their own plan for you, you still have to follow your own dreams and heart because if you hold back, then you may never be happy.
I felt the same way; I too picture myself in Nazia’s shoes. I am grateful for the values my family has and for not feeling the pressure to follow a destiny my parents created for me. I am glad that Nazia was able to follow her own dreams and realize she is a strong, young woman who is capable of making her own decisions. I understand the struggle she had believing in her reality, such as when she found out her father was not as loyal, responsible, and as trustworthy as she thought. I wish I knew what was going to happen to her next, because the book was somewhat of a cliffhanger, but regardless I am proud of Nazia and admire her inner strength.
I also put myself in Nazia’s shoes as I was reading this novel, like Courtney. I am too grateful for my family values and not having the pressure of my family loyalty as Nazia did in her story. I do not know what I would do, if my parents had an arranged marriage with my cousin that I barely even knew. I am appreciative of how my parents want to finish my education and get a job. I could not live like the women in Pakistan who do not have the choice of who they want to marry, what they wear, whether they get educated or not. It just doesn’t seem fair to me.
I really enjoy this book. It has well-defined characters and a clear storyline. It involves beliefs, courage, and unexpected friendship which are good for children. The book has detail information about the Pakistan’s culture. I want to know how people live in the world, I want to experience different cultures,and I hope I can travel around the world someday.
Nazia, a strong, honorable girl, deals with the issues that almost all the girls face–at the mercy of parents’ expectation or follow your heart. She makes her own decition and takes the consequence. I admire her courage.
Quian, this book is one that does have a lot of great values not only for the beliefs, courage, and friendships it invokes but also for a lot for students or readers to think about as they are reading. We often are very self-centered as human beings and books such as this one really could open a students eyes to those who are right in their classroom and what they might have done to get where they are today.
It is incredible to the courage that Nazia possesses at the end of the story. Nazia is a great example of a strong character that keeps living no matter what tragedies occur. Every student can learn from reading this novel, and I recommend it to just about anyone old enough to read this.
I found that the best way to experience a country’s culture is live there for a time. You’ll get some different ideas about what you have learned from books and TV. The process to adapt it is funny. I think the most enjoyable things is tasting delicious foods all over the world.
I agree! I traveled to Europe this summer and I was completely immersed in the cultures there. I learned so much from so many different people and countries. It made me appreciate home that much more. I was able to miss the things I took for granted – a rare, but necessary, experience!
This book would be great in the classroom for students to learn about other people around the world. Some students may even be able to relate to the story in some way.
Cherry I agree with you. I want to travel the world and experience things that others get to experience and I don’t.
I totally agree that I want my students to experience the world and see how other students learn and go through school also. But I love how this book, and other international books, will take us there! Maybe it would be neat to split the students into groups so that they can all become experts in their particular country/region.
I agree with you Anna I do believe this is a great book to have in the classroom. Many young adults should read this as they are experiencing life in a new way. It not only shows how women are treated in other countries it gives the reader the feel that they are experiencing that life first hand.
After reading the novel, Beneath My Mother’s Feet, this has given me a greater appreciation for women who live in Pakistan and the struggles they face every day. Also, the book has given me a better understanding of the Pakistani culture and has allowed me to see how important things are in their lives. This book is able to include heavy issues that will captivate the reader’s attention making it a simple read. This book would be good in the classroom because some students may be able to relate to Nazia’s story. Nazia was an ordinary girl who had a family, attended school up until one day her mom pulled her out of school and made her start working as a masi to earn money for her family. Her whole life changed and Amjed Qamar was able to include her new experiences in a way that the reader would not want to put the book down. Some of the issues she faces in the story were her loyalty to her family and her Baji as well as her educational decisions, and personal struggles as a young girl.
I agree with you Melissa. I discussed some of the same points from the book. This was a book that you could not put down because you wanted to know what was going to happen next to Nazia. You realize that women in some cultures go through many hardships in order to survive and take care of their families. Nazia was forced to do what most young girls should not be asked to do. Quit school and become a maid and then marry your cousin who you are not happy to marry but know you have to in order to please your family. No one should be asked to do such horrible things, but thats where we learn about other cultures, and can be thankful our culture doesn’t require us to do many of the same things.
I like how you talk about this book giving you a greater appreciation for women who live in Pakistan. I did not really think about that while reading the novel. I think it is important for students to see the struggles other people face around the world within different cultures. This book not only teaches students about the Pakistan culture but it shows them a young girl that could be the same age as the reader. Students will be able to compare their own culture to Nazia’s. Children may appreciate the life they have or be able to relate to it.
This book would be a great opportunity to discuss the different gender roles in different cultures. Some students are only exposed to their own culture and are very unaware of others. I believe that giving students the opportunity to see how their life would be in another culture would be very interesting and could show a lot of perspectives that they may have not seen or thought of before.
I agree with Cherry that one of the best ways to experience a culture is living there for a period of time or visiting. It would be great if countries were closer together so it would be easier for individuals to travel to other countries to experience the different lives of others. It would be great to take students to different types of restaurants with different country cuisines so they can experience that particular culture.
I like your statement Melissa about experiencing culture. I think in the classroom it is important to allow students to have those experiences so that they open up their view of the world outside their town. It is impossible to take students to other countries to learn, but bring those countries into the classroom! International books are amazing times where social studies can be easily implemented and a study of an entire culture can be conducted. Students can research about the culture, make food to enjoy, create the clothing, having guests speakers. Learning experiences such as these are the ones students will remember for the rest of their life. It not only allows them to experience a different culture, but also to appreciate the people who embody the different cultures.
After reading this story, I really have a different understanding fof the Pakastinian culture. I didn’t realize what many of the women actually have to go through. They are practically their husband’s slaves in a way. They can’t make choices without consulting them first. Those women who are not married are usually forced to be slaves in order to be able to support themselves and their families if their husbands are not in the picture. Amjed Qamar really made this a book that was easy to read and one that the reader honestly doesn’t want to put down because there is always a new problem on the next page it seems like. Nazia has some difficulties in the book, like having to keep her families respect even when she doesn’t want to marry her cousin Salman. She has to quit school in order to help become a maid with her mother to support their family after the father can no longer work, and is not willing to look for new work. Nazia used to be an ordinary girl that with the blink of an eye, had to change everything about her life, and did many things that most young girls would not be asked to do if they were in another country. But this is what women were expected to do in Pakistan.
I actually knew very little about the Pakistan culture before reading this book. I referred to the vocabulary list at the back of the book, which helped me while reading. Even though the content may not necessarily be authentic, it is still a very good doorway into what life is like in Pakistan. I now have a better awareness of what the circumstances can be for any given family living in Pakistan. Thinking about Nazia specifically, I truly was able to reflect upon how it must be to be in her situation. For such a young girl, she had to give up what girls her age are typically doing such as being in school and enjoying time with friends. Nazia was caught between what her culture says she should do and what she feels in her heart is right. Between facing the challenges of trying to support her family as well as deciding if she should be married, Nazia feels overwhelmed. However strong-willed Nazia has hopes of continuing her education and taking a path that is not ordinary for girls her age. She does not want to be constrained to the life that has been set out for her.
In addition to being exposed to other cultures and the challenges they face, having students read this book will not only allow them to be indirectly exposed to these challenges but also may provide a sense of hope and encouragement to those children who are facing similar situations in their lives.
It is amazing how different our cultures are when it comes to freedom of women. The Pakastinian culture and other cultures with the same mindset of women inequality blows my mind. Like you said woman are practically slaves to their husband’s, how could anyone live this life. It’s hard to understand that type of culture when their is no respect for women, when I am a woman myself.
I agree with all the comments that were made above. Someone stated earlier that it would be great if we could take our students to other countries so they can experience life in another country first hand, but we all know that can’t happen. It is not safe plus the school system probably wouldn’t allow a school trip to Afghanistan. But through reading we can show our students what it means to live in a different country and the culture that comes with it. Also what is expected of us, as women.
In reading this book it makes you realize just how difficult life is for children in other countries. Children have to work in order to put food on the table, and provide shelter for their family. It also give insight in to how females are treated in other cultures, as opposed to America. In America, males and females are treated as equals, we have laws to protect the rights of women. Which is not the case in other countries.
It also gives the reader insight in the the limited choices for the uneducated and poor in other countries. At least in America, you can get a job at McDonalds or Walmart without a college degree, and support yourself. In other countries that is not always the case, because there is such a huge gap between the rich and the poverty stricken that the only jobs available for poor and uneducated females are cleaning, or cooking for the wealthy.
I think it’s important to note that life can be difficult for people right here in the United States. Although it may seem like some other countries have more hardship, we often forget how there are families who are struggling to make ends meet and face various challenges right in our home country. These challenges though, are varied and can result and stem from not just one thing. I do agree with Cynthia though about the way women specifically are treated. We are fortunate that women do not have to experience such treatment. Also, the government in some countries is very strict and does not allow for as much freedom as we have.
Regardless of which countries experience any given challenge, it comes down to being aware of them and having the chance to learn and be able to relate, or at least develop an understanding and some sort of empathy.
Kara,
I have to agree with you we should be aware of the challanges that other countries face. When I read Beneath My Mothers Feet I immediately had compassion and empathy towards Nazia. She sends a message to all of us who experience changes in our lives that we have to make decisions about. We are so quick to think that everything might be okay when something bad happens but in reality our lives can drastically change from one incident. Nazia had to put her own dreams on hold when her father got hurt even though she wanted to continue going to school and get married. After reading this book I had a better understanding of what life can be like for women living in Packistan.
I can’t even imagine what it must be like to have to support a family at my age and yet alone as a child. These children are amazing for being able to put food on the table and provided shelter for their families. It is so sad to read about these countries that are so poverty stricken but it is also inspiring because of their strength and capabilities.
This book makes you realize just how lucky you are to be a female born in America, where you have laws that govern equality. Women from other cultures are not as lucky. They are forced to marry men that they do not love, and then forced to stay in marriages were they are mistreated, by their spouse. If they do not marry they are forced into a life of slavery, shunned by their own families, and treated poorly by their culture.
There are no choices for them, no reason to dream of getting an education and having a career. This book makes the reader realize all of this. Women are of little value in Afganistan. They are treated as second class citizens even by their own fathers. Those that do get an education usually do not go on to college. Marriages are financial arrangements between families, and the bride is only a small part of that arrangement. This story told that also where the parents were concerned with the dowry being stolen, and this being one of the reasons that the grooms father called off the wedding originally.
This book would be good for kids in this country to read so they could compare their own life with that of Nazia. Many kids even from poor families do not know what it would be like to have to quit school and work to support your younger siblings. Their parents take care of the daily living needs for the family while the child is allowed to attend school, and be educated. This is not the case in other cultures, where education is not as valued.
I loved this book! It was very insightful and convicting. I would love to have this around my future classroom. I loved how insightful that this book was. It was convicting because so many times I go through my day without thinking twice about it. I would have my students read this and even try to bring in a speaker who lived in that life growing up. I wish I could take my students all over the world where going to school is a privilege. I think this book is one way that students will be able to learn what other students around the world are doing and learning.
I enjoyed reading this book…It reminded me of the Breadwinner a little bit because I was learning about two different cultures and what they have been and are currently facing. Both main characters, Nazia in Beneath My Mother’s Feet, and Parvana in the Breadwinner are both children who have to help their families in times of need. However, what they have to do is above and beyond what any child their age should have to do.
This book makes me realize just how lucky I am to be in America with freedom rights. I can’t imagine not living the life I do today, which makes me feel a little selfish and spoiled because of what I learned during my read of Beneath My Mother’s Feet by Amjed Qamar. I never really thought about how important our laws and government equality was to me until now. It is so sad to read about these women who are being forced to marry men that they do not love, or mistreated because their gender. Also little things to me like clothing and the acceptance of education in my society that I take for granted. This novel showed me the hardship women have when trying to receive an education or even to express themselves through clothing. This book would be a great read for students to understand the importance OF WOMENS FREEDOM!
I agree with you, this is a great book that really shows us how lucky we are to live in America. Although we may complain how we are treated, it shows that we have more then other women around the country. After reading this book I feel very blessed and lucky to have what I have.
Kristina, I completely agree with you. This book really made me thankful for my rights and what I have here in America. I can’t even imagine being in her situation. It would create so much stress. Plus, knowing that I couldn’t live my dreams of finishing school and getting my degree, which would be the most difficult thing to accept. Especially, if I had to work as a slave or maid instead and not being able to see my friends at school would be unfathomable.
Jessica I loved your point about women’s freedom. I too picked up on that in the book. Not only is this a great story of children achieving and caring for their family but it shows how string women are as well. This little girl was able to face adversity and provide for her family in time of need.
Liz, I agree with you. I sensed a feeling of love, caring, and sacrifice when reading about how much Nazia sacrificed and did for her family. It really shows that she loved them, no matter the stress, fears, and work got in her way. She was the positive one and the problem solver, who was really an inspiration to her mother and her family, even if her family didn’t always see it. Despite her older brothers betrayal when he robbed her dowry.
More novels like “Beneath My Mother’s Feet” should be integrated into the schools because international literature can have such a huge impact on those who are culturally unaware.Living in America, most of us couldn’t even imagine the lifestyle of a Pakistanian like Nazia, giving up everything to become a maid and provide for her family at the age of 14. The topic of arranged marriages is something we are not used to here in America, especially when it is within the family. This book is a culture shock for some, but has important morals instilled within such as strong family bonds, selflessness, and coming of age. Though this book was tragic at times, the character of Nazia is the ultimate role model which is why I suggest this book.
Although you make a good point when you say, “Living in America, most of us couldn’t even imagine the lifestyle of a Pakistanian like Nazia, giving up everything to become a maid and provide for her family at the age of 14. The topic of arranged marriages is something we are not used to here in America, especially when it is within the family.” I personally believe that students will still be able to relate to the story, especially any student that has to go home a night and worry about the welfare of their family. I do not this it is unreasonable to believe that many American children today have to work (when they are not in school) in order to contribute to the families finances. So, although this story’s setting makes it seem like it might be unimaginable, you have to keep in mind the lives of some of the students we may be teaching.
To also touch on the point of living in America and not experiencing this type of lifestyle, I would have to say that this is all around us in America. I personally have a friend who in high school was working and putting his paychecks towards his family. His mother couldn’t work due to health issues and his father had lost 2 limbs due to diabetes and was also not able to work. He and his younger brother put everything they made towards keeping the family afloat. I understand that this is more common among impoverished countries, however it does happen in America, and not just in urban settings, I am from Montgomery County, a “well to do” county and I still see it where I live. I completely agree Lindsey, you have to really step back and look at your students before deciding on an opinion of them and their work.
I found that I could relate to this novel in many ways! I found that the relationship between Nazia and her mom is something that many girls can relate to or at least sympathize. Sometimes I enjoy reading books that I cannot relate to though, because it’s always great to learn! Sometimes I even find that MORE interesting than if the book was more similar to my own life.
I agree with you Erica. Nazia was definitely a true role model for her family. She was the glue that kept them together. She stayed strong, even stronger than her mother did. This is certainly a great book to put in schools because it does show their different morals, customs, and culture that we are not familiar with here in America. I cannot imagine being in her situation. Here in America we would see her situation as unjust with no freedoms, but in her society, they do not see it this way. This would be a good book to introduce the Pakistan culture into the classroom.
I think that this story has alot of deep lessons that Nazia’s Amma teaches her throughout the book. Such as at the last chapter of the book, when Nazia is about to go of to marry her cousin, Nazia thinks that she won’t be truly happy if she marries her cousin because she wants to finish school and not become a servent to her husband if she does. When Amma realizes that Nazia is going to not marry her cousin Amma says that ‘One will not truly be happy if their heart is not open.
I think that this quote would be great to start a class discussion about the meaning. It would be interesting to hear different student interpretations and then apply their interpretations to the text.
I think this is a great quote to use in the classroom for discussion. This quote not only has to do a lot with the theme of the book but also can get different students opinions on the topic to get some discussion going.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. It gave me a better understanding of the hardships families face living in other countries besides my own. We get a glimpse of what life might be like for women living in Packistan who are under the control of a strict government. When I think about this book I think about the freedom that Nazia didn’t have. Her family expected her to be responsible and remain obedient but Nazia wanted nothing else but to follow her own ambitions. It took one incident for her to realize that life is not just about her but it about her family as well. She knew that it was important for her to step up her role and hold more responsibilities when her father got hurt. I think that many young girls can relate to this book if they have had experiences like this. Even if they have not read the book they would at least have empathy for a girl like Nazia, afterall she is only fourteen years old and has plans for her own life.
I agree Melissa that life in for women in Pakistan may sound uncomparable to life her in America but they both go through the same struggles overall. Yes, women are controlled ona different level than in America but couldnt we say that women in America are controlled as well just not in governemtn form? I feel that the pressure that society out on women is controlling enough. Women are EXPECTED to be nurturing mother, wife, and chef and now have the pressure of being financially successful.
I think that this is truly a great book and lots of children would enjoy and be able to find interest in it. I was captured by this book and read it in less than two days. I also agree with many of the previous posts stating that many journal entries could be written about this, or in relation to. I love the underlying message in the story, which I percieved as: to pursue your dreams no matter what lengths you have to go. I think that many children will see just how fortunate they are, and will not take things for granted as easily. It’s always good to get a glimpse beyond our own back yard.
I agree Megan. Many children are growing up with believeing things are just handed to them and that hardwork and dedication dont exsist. This novel would definitly spark a reality check in these children and inspire them to work harder.
I couldn’t agree more, Megan! I, too, read this book in two days. I just couldn’t seem put it down. I believe it would really show adolescence a different way of life- a way of life that, unfortunately, even in today’s world is the way of life for children their age in many other countries. We are often unaware of the life in other parts of the world and the daily struggles one must overcome to survive.
Beneath My Mother’s Feet by Amjed Qamar would be great for a whole class read for middle school students and spark awesome discussions. It explores interesting themes of respect, family, loyalty, and hardship as well as coming of age; all of which middle school students are also dealing with in their personal lives. This book is also culturally rich. It gives the reader a better understanding of Pakistani culture and customs and this is important for student to understand if they are going to become well rounded individuals and world citizens.
This book is an amazing, eye opening story of a girl who must give up everything to support those who mean everything to her. I think this book should be a vital part of the curriculum in middle or even high school settings so students who may not want to come clean about their home lives can relate to Nazia and also see her struggles. I think this book will give power to those in her shoes and allow them to see a light at the end of the tunnel. This book is truly an inspiration to not just children but women as well, it lets us know that we too can support a family and work just as hard as men to fulfill the needs of our loved ones.
I would have to agree Liz. Women have come a long way in today’s society and “Beneath My Mothers Feet” proves just that. It also shows that the struggle for women recognition is all over the world and not just here in American society.
This book is a great read because not only is it a “window” to the Pakistanian culture but a “mirror” as well for average teenage girls. I enjoyed how the author took us on Nazia’s journey and we were able to see how she grew and overcame her struggles.
I also agree with this. I liked how the book not only talked about the Pakistanian culture but also could relate it to all teenaged girls. This book could easily get young girls interested in reading and learning about new cultures.
I agree with both of you. It made me relate this to our culture as well and how we have jobs that also are thought to be looked down upon. If a young girl such as the main character had to drop out of school in order to help her family, many other girls in our society would think of her as trash, especially if she didn’t finish high school. She would be considered to be unintelligent and would not have anything going for her. Unfortunately the culture in Pakistan is similar in this sense because no one will want to marry her, and she will fall very low under status rankings.
I think that this book has many important lessons within the story. This could be a good book for middle school students because it teaches students about life in other countries and cultures. It shows how children have to work to put food on the table and that not everything in life comes easy. It gives students different perspectives on life around the world.
I even think this book could be used with students as young as third grade, though it may have to be a read aloud. I feel like elementary students are sheltered to other cultures, so what better way to expose them than with literature. Many students do know that children their age had to work in order to support their parents, but they usually learn this from reading about colonial times. I feel that they need to know that this happens in the present as well.
This book could be used for many reading and language arts activities. As I was reading, I learned so many new things about the culture in Pakistan and in particular, how women are treated. Some ideas that came into my head could be letters to Nazia telling her she made a good choice helping her mother or she should have stayed in school because she is too young to have that responsibility. Another thing could be to have the students compare and contrast our culture and Pakistan’s culture. Finally I would really think it would be interesting for students to write a persuasive paragraph to a member of the audience to either change Pakistan’s culture in some way or leave it as is because that’s how they think things should be. Students can research Pakistan’s laws, religions, etc. to prove their point and make text to text connections.
Based on some of the comments about this novel, I really do want to read it! It is not the one that I chose, but I may find time to read it after graduation. I definitely think it would be beneficial to incorporate books that take place in other countires, such as Pakistan, into our classrooms. Students rarely gain knowledge about places around the world or different cultures because school is so focused on reading and math, so if you could incorporate this knowledge through the use of stories and books I think you should! I like the idea of comparing/contrasting our culture with Pakistan’s culture. This book seems like it would lead into a lot of fun and meaningful activities.
Jessie,
I hope you found the time to read this book! It was very hard to put down. It was like a PG version of the book “A Thousand Splendid Suns.” “Beneath My Mother’s Feet” takes students into the culture of Pakistan and reveals the expectations of women and young girls. The author introduces the treatment of women in the Pakistan culture through Nazia’s experiences, which makes those topics more accessible and understandable to students. If you are looking for a book that goes even deeper into those kinds of issues, “A Thousand Splendid Suns” is another good choice, but only for your personal reading pleasure – not for the classroom. You’ll see why when you read the book. However, I do think “Beneath My Mother’s Feet” is a great book to have in the classroom, like you said!
“Beneath My Mother’s Feet” could be a truly powerful tool in the classroom, when it comes to showing students realities faced by children around the world. Books such as this one are though provoking for students, especially if the class or group reading the particular story becomes interested enough to do more background checks on the novel. Students will not only be engaged in reading the text, finding out more about Pakistan and their customs regarding women. “Beneath My Mother’s Feet” is also a great read, written in a way which creates suspense for the readers. A number of activities focused on language arts could be used just on the ending alone! Think about it, by the end we have no idea what will happen to Nazia as she plans to disobey her fate and further her own goals. Students could create an alternate ending for the young girl, create the dialogue between Ms. Haroon and Nazia as they meet after her daring break from tradition, or even send letters of advice to Nazia as she begins living her own life.
I loved this book! Once I began reading, I couldn’t put it down! Such an interesting and eye opening book. It really makes you think about life in another persons’ shoes and see real life struggles that are possibly harder than your own. I think this book can provide adolescences with an interesting way to learn about a different way of life. In today’s society, a lot of adolescences complain about things that seem “big” to them, but in reality, they don’t know how good they truly have it. For Nazia, everyday is a struggle for survival, however; she finds way to overcome these struggles. She eventually becomes brave enough that her independence grows and she is able to change her destiny.
This was a truly inspirational book. It gives the reader a glimpse into what life is like in a different country for some young girls. This book is transdisciplinary and can be used in reading, language arts, geography, and social studies. There are so many creative activities that can be done with this book. I believe it is important for students to know that their voice and opinion matters and this book shows the true signifigance of that. I highly recommend this book in the classroom and for all readers.
I felt the same way, Courtney. Reading this novel helped me gain a better understanding of Pakistan culture as far as their expectations of young girls and women. I think using this book in transdisciplinary ways is a great idea! For example, as an integrated language arts/geography lesson, sudents could read about Nazia’s story in Pakistan, then find Pakistan on various maps. This could help students get an idea of where Nazia’s story takes place in the world while at the same time teaching map skills.
I really enjoyed this book for many reasons. First, I think it is very important for students to read and experience glimpses into other people/ children’s world in different countries, in order to gain a full world view. Then, in return, they can gain perspective on their own world. Another thing I really liked about this book was the message to big bream and don’t let anything hold you back. I would definitely use this book in my classroom!
The main theme that stood out to me in Beneath My Mother’s Feet was destiny. Nazia’s destiny was chosen for her by her parents, but she had no interest in marrying her cousin; she wanted to stay in school and pursue her own dreams. Throughout the novel Nazia tries to do as much as she can to pursue those dreams, but is consistently held back by her responsibilities to her family. As I read, I would ask myself “Should Nazia risk her family’s well-being to pursue her own destiny?” As badly as I wanted her to get out, I knew she had to stay and help her family.
Did anyone else feel like there was a constant battle back and forth between Nazia trying to pursue her dreams and needing to take care of her family?
I agree…I found myself not knowing who to root for. I think that would be a great topic to bring up for discussion when reading with students. You could also bring up the topic of whether students felt that Nazia’s mom was acting selfishly or not by employing the children to work. Nazia’s dad also acted in some interesting ways and I’m sure students would have a lot to say about his actions and motives.
(Dr. Bond….for clarification, this is Sarah Broadwick. Spinnenweber is my married name and that’s the name that will probably come up. 🙂
The internal struggle that Nazia feels about the destiny that is planned for her and the destiny that she finds she wants for herself do not match as she matures. When thrown into the situation of having to work due to her father’s injuries she must help support the family by being a maid. The courage Nazia finds within herself to support her goals and ambitions even if it directly disobeys all the expectations given to her by her mother. As a fourteen year old girl I find her ability for self-identification admirable. I would like know think if I was put into the same situation if I would have the mindset needed to overcome a predestinated fate.
The benefits of using international books with children and young adults is to give them a different perspective and to let them know that what is considered the social norm here might not be the case in other areas of the world. A downside to having children and young adults read these books is generalization. For example, if I child reads one book about a Korean family, it is possible that they could assume that all Korean families are similar to the one in that particular book. I don’t see why children couldn’t get excited about reading books from other countries. No matter what origin they are from, a child is still a child and they enjoy similar things. Children also often go with stories that are fantasy or fiction because they are set in different time periods and settings. The same goals are accomplished by reading books from other countries since they are foreign to them. The international book I read was “Beneath My Mother’s Feet”. I definitely think many girls would be drawn to this book since the main character, Nazia, is a girl on the verge of becoming a woman. Through reading this book many children would better understand the culture from where Nazia is from, Pakistan. By having an arranged marriage to her cousin at the age of fourteen, to her mother not wanting to sacrifice Nazia’s future for the well-being of the family, this book can create a sense of culture within its readers. I really enjoyed this book also for the topics that aren’t only real in Pakistan, but all over the world. Bravo Amjed Qamar!
I found this book to be incredibly intriguing and fascinating. I found that reading a book that is set in modern day Pakistan was incredibly eye opening because we hear so much about the Middle East these days on the news, and this book discussed what life is actually like! While this may show my “ignorance”, I was fascinated by everyday life there–there are poor areas but there are also rich and elite areas! In my mind, I had never pictured Pakistan to have wealthy areas. I was also interested in learning the culture where arranged marriages (and young marriages) are still the norm! As a young adult, I could completely relate to this. Some people may believe that using international novels could possibly turn young readers off, as they maybe cannot relate to the culture. However, I found that reading about a culture COMPLETELY different than mine to be incredibly interesting and most certainly inspired me to research more about this culture! Young women would also find this to be interesting because they can read about a girl their own age going through completely different life circumstances then themselves.
Sarah,
As I read this novel, I also thought it was incredibly fascinating to learn that there are wealthy, rich elites in Pakistan. I believe this is because of social media and how they depict this area, especially in the time of war. In addition to this, I also agree with you in regards to your opinion of young women reading this book. I too believe that young ladies should be exposed to this novel because they too are facing challenges which they have no clue how to handle. I think that if they are exposed to this book they will feel a sense of relation with the main character Nazia. Also, I would hope that the young women reading this novel would learn to make their own choices just as Nazia did.
The story “Beneath My Mother’s Feet” by Amjed Qamar is a beautifully written story that is set in Pakistan. The story brings issues that captures the readers’ attention and delivers the feeling of wanting to read more. The main character of this story is a fourteen-year-old girl named Nazia. She is a typical teenage girl, but the only difference is that her mother is the creator of all of her choices. Because of her mother making these choices for her she has never had any doubt about her future until something devastating happens. Her world is crumbling around her because her father has been injured and cannot provide for the family anymore. This story is a very powerful and relatable novel. It creates people to think about their futures and also their families. This story involves a great insight on a different culture and how others live, which would give children a great insight of others. This book shows the aspects of problems that happen around the world and makes it so it can be related to people here in the United States. This also gives children an insight on how making their own decisions can influence their life in a positive or negative manner. This books brings a great insight onto making connections with how we live and how others around the world are living as well.
Morgan,
After reading this novel, I realized that these types of novels and/or texts should definitely be included into the classroom because children and young adults need inspiration to face their challenges. This book in particular would help so many young ladies in the classroom learn to face their own challenges, think on their own, and make extremely important decisions. I 100% agree with you that children in the classroom should be exposed to these books because children do need insight on how making their own decisions can influence their life in a positive or negative manner!
I found this novel to be incredibly interesting. My sophomore year of college I enrolled myself in a Women’s Literature course where we read similar texts. I absolutely love books that truly show the hardships that women, young ladies, and young women experience as they are growing up, especially in a culture where women are the minority, cannot have opinions, and are essentially married off to men who are either too old for them or are related to them. While reading the beginning of this book, I immediately knew something bad was going to happen to Nazia, but I did not realize exactly how much she would have to endure. As the novel went on, I began to build a large respect for the character of Nazia for taking on so many horrible events. Not only did she stand by her mother and family, but she stood by herself and her beliefs. As a women growing up, boys and men try to make us feel inferior to them, when in actuality we are just as smart and strong, even more so emotionally in some cases. Within this book, Nazia begins to make her own choices and learns to dictate her own future, which is truly amazing amongst her culture. I believe we should include novels like this in the classroom because international texts contain a large amount of cultural information that could interest many students in the classroom. This book not only discusses the struggle of a young women, but also discusses her Pakistani culture. This international text would be extremely interesting for young women readers because as they grow up, they begin to face challenges they believe will never be fixed. I believe if this book was in a classroom and a young lady read it, she would be instilled with the courage and strength to face her own challenges because she was inspired by Nazia, the main character of this novel!
The book is a story of a young girl watching her family struggle and change within a short time. Decisions are made by her family that affect her life and she has not say or opinion about it. As she begins to grasp all the changes and her upcoming life she begins to take a stand and realize what she wants in life and how to do it. She is resourceful and cares for those around her, even her mother realizes in the end how special and proud she is of her. This story is good for young reader to learn not only about other cultures but the need for responsibility and learning how to grow.