Suzanne Staples's Books
Apr.01.2008
It has been ten years since Shabanu staged her death to secure the safety of her daughter, Mumtaz, from her husband’s murderous brother. Mumtaz has been raised by her father’s family with the education and security her mother desired for her, but with little understanding and love. Only her American cousin Jameel, her closest confidant and friend, and the beloved family...
.book large teaser.jpg)
Nov.14.2005
“As long as you know the stars, you will never be lost.”
In Afghanistan shortly after September 11, 2001, Najmah, a young Afghan whose name means ‘star,’ suddenly finds herself alone when her father and older brother are conscripted by the Taliban and her mother and newborn brother are killed in an air raid. Seeking refuge and hoping to find her father and brother,...
Aug.12.2003
The lives of Shabanu and her family are governed by the winds that sweep across the Cholistan Desert and by centuries-old traditions. Like the winds that carry rain and violent wind storms, traditions are mindless of the desires of a young woman coming of age. Shabanu’s older sister is betrothed to a young man from a family of small landholders, and their father has arranged...
May.16.1995
The world of Newbery Honor book Shabanu is vividly re-created in this novel of a young Pakistani woman's heartbreaking struggle against the tyranny of custom and ancient law. Shabanu, now a mother at 18, faces daily challenges to her position in her husband's household, even as she plans for her young daughter's education and uncertain future. Then, during a visit to the...
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.”
—Attributed to Galileo Galilei
About Suzanne
I grew up in rural northeastern Pennsylvania, where I learned to love the land, animals and stories. I graduated from college knowing I wanted to be a writer. A few years later I went to work for United Press International in Hong Kong. From there I served...