A new JaxTHRIVE book, “Sarina of Kandahar: An Afghan Girl’s Journey to Change the World” was published on Oct. 24. Authors Maya Jones and Alexis Magnano met Sarina through their work at JaxTHRIVE and knew that her inspirational story needed to be shared with readers across the globe. You can find their book on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.
Here is a Q&A with the authors:
Tell us about your new book, ‘Sarina of Kandahar: An Afghan Girl’s Journey to Change the World.’
Our book is a biography of Sarina, an Afghan refugee who grew up under the repressive Taliban regime in Kandahar, Afghanistan. She defied gender and age norms, became a leader at 15 years of age, survived life-threatening violence and ultimately continued her education in the U.S.
The book is an inspiring true story with kid-friendly educational content, like information about Afghan traditions, colorful pictures, a simple map, an index with Afghan symbols and discussion prompts. Our goal is to help children meet a real hero: someone who shows that courage and determination can change a life, and then change the world.
How did meeting Sarina inspire you to write this book?
We first met Sarina through our work at JaxTHRIVE, a student-led nonprofit that mentors refugee students. Listening to her describe studying in secret, organizing girls to form a basketball team, working with NATO troops at age 14, running for office at age 15 and refusing to be silenced was unforgettable.
Her always-hopeful and indomitable spirit was so inspiring. We felt a responsibility to make her story accessible to younger readers, so a sixth-grader in Jacksonville (or anywhere) could see her, understand her and think, “I can be bold and brave and make a difference in the world, too.”
What does your book teach readers?
Self-determination: Sarina wasn’t “rescued,” she crafted her own path despite obstacles and led others. Readers learn about resilience despite hardships and that you’re never too young to make a positive impact in this world.
Cultural awareness and empathy: Through cultural aspects, such as food and traditions, readers learn about a country that’s very different from theirs, generating curiosity about the greater world.
Teachers and parents also get ready-to-use questions, activities and a brief educator guide to spark meaningful conversations.
How do you think sharing Sarina’s story will impact future generations?
Stories often shape what children believe is possible. When students meet Sarina through the book, they internalize that education is a human right and that society needs spirited young voices.
For refugee and immigrant kids, it says: “Your stories and your dreams are important and belong here.”
For all kids, it widens the circle of “us,” which is the beginning of a more humane future.
What was the writing process like for you?
It was research-heavy, and we wrote from the heart. We interviewed Sarina over several weeks, took notes, always captivated and inspired by the stories she shared with us. We cross-checked timelines and read books about Afghan culture. We shared drafts with a few educators to make sure the language was appropriate for children and the teaching materials were appropriate.
We worked with our illustrator, Ella Vance, a junior at The Bolles School and a JaxTHRIVE volunteer, who did an amazing job with the illustrations. Her pictures bring the book to life and make it captivating for young readers.
Then we tested chapters with real students and added reflection questions. We also added maps and suggestions for classroom activities, so that it can also be an educational resource to teachers.
What’s next for you as authors?
We would like to do book readings at the public library and bookstores. We have reached out to the offices of the superintendents of Duval and St. Johns counties to review the book for inclusion in school libraries. We’re brainstorming a follow-up in our book series to feature a refugee woman from Sudan whose dream is to be a pilot.
We welcome partnerships with educators, librarians and youth groups for author visits (virtual or in-person), reading circles and service projects tied to the book’s themes.
And in our day-to-day, we’ll keep mentoring through JaxTHRIVE and growing EmpowHer, the program we started to support refugee girls’ leadership and well-being.
