Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind (1989)

Shabanu provides insight into the life and circumstances of the main character, Shabanu, who is facing the pressures of growing up and getting married. This book would be powerful in a multi-cultural unit, and when I read it originally in Middle School was able to really connect and relate to the main character since we were the same age. Due to the issues presented and the fact that Shabanu is herself female, this book will likely appeal more to girls than boys.

Reading Level: 7.6 ( )

1990 Newbery Honor

I really enjoyed the story and what I learned about Cholistan, but I was sad at the ending. It's totally realistic, but sad. ( )

This glimpse into another culture was interesting. However, I remain unconvinced that an audience of YA girls is going to understand the subtleties of the culture, politics and religion at play here. Parts of this will make women wince because the attitudes are so vastly different from our own American/European experience. The ending was harsh and abrupt, and while it may have remained true to the culture, I'm not sure it did any service to the story or to its intended audience. ( )

Though I wasn't expecting young adult fiction, I gave this a read anyway and am so glad I did. Shabanu is a child in a nomadic Pakistani family, younger sister to a beauty who is to be married soon. The story is of what comes to pass in the year before the wedding. There is great detail about daily life, social customs, clothes, camels, living in the desert and more. We are able to follow as Shabanu grows from child to young woman within the confines of the customs of her family. We see her falling in love, teaching her camel to dance, grieving, comforting her aged grandfather, and taking her punishment like an adult. She is a strong voice for a woman in that part of the world. I enjoyed every moment of the book. ( )

Shabanu is a wonderful story of Cholistani Muslim girl with well drawn and realistic characters. It portrays the culture and traditions in Cholistan. The story dealt with love, sorrow, sacrifice, marriage and family. ( )