The Red Pencil

Discuss the role that art and creative expression play in different characters’ healing from trauma.

Soil—specifically, sand (goz)—works as both symbol and recurring motif in the novel. Consider what soil signifies in Amira’s village and in Kalma. Which theme(s) does soil play into?

The sun and moon are both important images in the novel. What are the different things they signify, at different points in the novel?

The Red Pencil is told through the eyes of a 12-year-old girl. Keeping in mind the sociocultural setting of the novel, which aspects of the story would have differed had the protagonist been a boy?

Compare and contrast the characters of Dando and Old Anwar and their respective relationships with Amira.

The Red Pencil is set in Darfur during the Janjaweed conflict. Despite the novel’s specific setting, what are some ideas and themes that make it relatable to a larger readership?

Although Miss Sabine only appears in a couple of chapters, she plays an important role in the novel. Why is this so? Examine why her character has the impact she does.

Why do you think the novel has illustrations? What role do they play in the narrative?