Shabanu Daughter of the Wind- Suzanne Fisher Staples



Staples , S. (1989). Shabanu daughter of the wind . New York: Alfred A. Knoff.

Shabanu is a young adult novel about a girl who is forced to marry an older man in order to save her family. Shabanu has many different characters that are well developed however, the story is told by Shabany she is the protagonist of the story as she is trying to save her family. This book was published in 1989 and is written for a seventh or eighth grade reading level. This book fits in the multicultural or traditional genre of literature because while reading it students are able to see how things are done in different cultures. From marriages to raising children and even how they survive in the desert.

Shabanu is a young woman who is at marrying age but her older sister must marry first. When an older man meets Shabanu he wants to make her his wife. Shabanu is very hesitant and doesn't want to marry him because of his age and because he has already had three previous wives. Shabanu struggles with things through out the book. While preparing for her sister Phulan's wedding the family goes to visit the two brothers one of which Phulan will marry. However, a greedy landowner attempts to kidnap and rape Phulan during this Phulan's fiance is killed. What happens next will have to be read in the book!

Theme of Shabanu- The difference in gender and a young woman's struggle against society.

Shabanu has a wonderful example of foreshadowing from the very beginning when Shabanu's father sells her favorite camel. This is foreshadowing for the fact that her parents are going to "sell" her in order to save their family. As well as other examples throughout the book.

On this website http://www.glencoe.com/sec/literature/litlibrary/pdf/shabanu.pdf

A complete study guide can be found that will allow teachers to incorporate this book into their classrooms. This study guide has review questions, worksheets, as well as discussion questions.

Text to Self Strategy-
Students can use the text to self strategy by choosing a quote from the book and telling how this quote relates to them or what it reminds them of. Such as this:

Page 28: “In less than a year you’ll be betrothed. You aren’t a child anymore. You must learn to obey. Even when you disagree.”

To a student this could mean many different things however I would give this as an example to say "you are growing up, you must follow the laws, even if you do not agree with them. I must always drive the speed limit even when I think it is too slow."

Questions to ponder:

- How would you feel if your parents chose who you would marry?

- What would you do if you had no control of your fate, what would happen in the future?

- Do you think there is foreshadowing in real life? Can you think of a time when you have seen foreshadowing in your life?

- Throughout this book there are many different cause and effects that are noticeable. How does cause and effect make this book easier to understand? How can you use cause and effect to understand things that go on in everyday life?