by N. H. Senzai
And in war, it is the people who suffer. Who can forget the image of Aylan Kurdi, the tiny boy wearing a little red shirt, lying drowned on a Turkish beach? It was heartrending images of children fleeing the war that made me want to do something more than send aid and contact my ineffectual government representatives. I wanted to put a human face on the story unfolding before us. Sadly, Aylan reminded me of Mariam, from my first book, Shooting Kabul. When I finished that book, I felt that I had left one story unfinished, and that was the story of the little girl who is accidentally left behind by her family as they flee Kabul, Afghanistan. Although Mariam has a happy ending, the thought of what could happen to a child lost in a war lingered in the back of my mind. Nadia’s story grew from there, with the hope of providing a window into the lives of the Syrian people, their country, and its history, arts, and culture.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
In writing Nadia’s story, I felt a particular weight upon my shoulders. It was an emotional and creative challenge to address the complex, volatile issues of the Syrian war. My goal was to be as sensitive and accurate as I could, highlighting the beauty and resilience of the Syrian people in the face of adversity. I could not have written this book without the reporting of countless journalists who risked their lives working in Syria. Thank you for your stories and for generously allowing me to ask you questions. Per their request, I have withheld their names. Escape from Aleppo would not be here without an amazing literary team: my agent, Michael Bourret; and the incredible crew at Simon & Schuster—Paula Wiseman, my publisher; Sylvie Frank, my editor; Krista Vossen, art director; and the exceptional Education and Library team led by Michelle Fadlalla Leo. Much appreciation to my advisors on Syria: Lina Sergie Attar, Abe Kasbo, Rhonda Roumani, Sara Metz, Jamal Al Ani, and Razan and Mazen Asbahi. On notes of spirituality I turned to Imam Tahir Anwar, who provided sage advice. And to my first line of readers—Hena Khan, Michelle Chew, and Carolyn and John Hackworth: you are awesome. And of course, never-ending thanks to Farid and Zakaria Senzai.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
N. H. Senzai is the author of the acclaimed Shooting Kabul, which was on numerous state award lists and an NPR Backseat Book Club Pick. Its companion, Saving Kabul Corner, was nominated for an Edgar Award and was praised by School Library Journal: “Recommended for any fan of multicultural literature or realistic fiction.” Ms. Senzai lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit her online at nhsenzai.com.
A PAULA WISEMAN BOOK
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
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Also by N. H. Senzai
Shooting Kabul
Saving Kabul Corner
Ticket to India
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This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Text copyright © 2018 by Naheed Hasnat
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Jacket design by Krista Vossen
Interior design by Hilary Zarycky
Jacket art direction by Krista Vossen
The text for this book was set in Stempel Schneider.
CIP data for this title is available from the Library of Congress.
ISBN 978-1-4814-7217-3 (hardcover)
ISBN 978-1-4814-7219-7 (eBook)
