Andrea Pinkney's lyrical verse and Shane Evans' evocative illustrations combine in a powerful story of one girl's triumphant journey inspired by true tales of life in Sudan.



Life in Amira's peaceful Sudanese village is shattered when Janjaweed attackers arrive, unleashing unspeakable horrors. After losing nearly everything, Amira needs to find the strength to make the long journey on foot to safety at a refugee camp. She begins to lose hope, until the gift of a simple red pencil opens her mind -- and all kinds of possibilities.