Hollow Fires
on Goodreads (3,466)
What’s inside...
A powerful, gripping YA novel by New York Times bestselling author Samira Ahmed, explores the insidious nature of racism, the terrible costs of unearthing hidden truths, and the undeniable power of hope. Safiya Mirza, an aspiring journalist and editor of her school newspaper, discovers the body of Jawad Ali, a boy who was mislabeled a terrorist and killed due to a cosplay jetpack mistaken for a bomb. Guided by Jawad’s voice, Safiya seeks to uncover the truth about those who killed him because of their hate-based beliefs. With an innovative format and lyrical prose, the book exposes the evil of racism and the complicity of the privileged.
Age
11-12
Length
404 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Safiya Mirza
Jawad Ali
Usman Haider
Asma
Richard Reynolds
Nate Chase
Rachel Kahn
Discussion points
What are some ways the characters in 'Hollow Fires' show resilience in the face of adversity?
How do the characters' experiences and choices shape their development throughout the story?
What role does friendship play in the book, and how does it influence the characters' actions and decisions?
How do the themes of justice and truth emerge in the story, and what can we learn from them?
In what ways does the story encourage us to think about our own values and beliefs?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting each reading session, briefly discuss what happened previously in the story to reinforce memory and comprehension.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ decisions, fostering a deeper understanding of moral and ethical questions.
Discuss the differences and similarities between the world in the book and the real world, which helps in developing critical thinking skills.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to imagine an alternative ending. This enhances creativity and offers insights into your child's interpretation of justice and resolution.
Highlight real-world examples that relate to the book’s themes, making the discussion more relevant and impactful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Standing against injustice
Explanation: The book portrays characters who actively stand against societal wrongs, highlighting the importance of courage and advocacy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize unfair situations in their surroundings and feel empowered to speak up or act to support fairness and justice.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the story show the ability to empathize with others, teaching children the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop the ability to empathize with peers and adults, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and questioning
Explanation: The narrative encourages questioning the status quo and not accepting information at face value, which cultivates critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to question what they hear and see, leading to better problem-solving skills and independent thinking.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book showcases how characters persist despite challenges, underscoring the value of resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to persevere through their own challenges, whether in their academic pursuits, social relationships, or personal goals.