First, I will say that this is a darn cute book. Second, I adored this character as some of the things she does I related, too, but also because I like her spunk. And finally, this is a good book so, just go out and read it and do not worry about my review.
However, if you want more about A Sky-Blue Bench by Bahram Rahman I will say, this is a story about a young Afghan girl who wants an education. However, it is
difficult as so much has been destroyed by warm. Plus, she has a “helper leg” (she lost her leg due to the conflict) that makes it hard for her to get comfortable at school. You see, they have no benches or chairs, and must sit on a tarp on the floor. And no matter what she does (and her is where some of the relatable comes in), she cannot get comfortable (now I do not have a helper-leg (which by the way I think is an awesome term) but have difficulties getting comfortable due to health issues). I loved how her mother and little brother (the image of him is absolutely adorable, so I have included it here) are supportive, and how she does not give up, but finds a way to make her situation better. And by doing so, makes the lives of her classmates better, too.
Peggy Collins adds to the fun by having some outrageously gorgeous, silly (but not “goofy” but in a clever, fun, warm way), and pop off the pages color illustrations. Everything about this is bold, strong, soft, warm, comfortable, welcoming. The details are perfect, busy without being overly so or distracting. The village/community of our young heroine comes to life perfectly. If the publisher is looking for a story to make a plush to go with the book, I will be the first in line and take two or three.
This is a feel-good story that has parts based in the author’s own experiences. The extras include talk about how the narrator could have been injured and a bit of “setting the scene” and the backstory.
