The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney garners praise for its vivid prose and insightful depiction of a young girl's resilience in war-torn Sudan. The verse format and accompanying illustrations are lauded for enhancing the narrative's emotional depth. However, some readers find the pacing uneven and wish for deeper character development. Overall, it is an evocative and powerful read.

A reader who would enjoy The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney is typically a middle-grade to young-adult reader interested in historical and cultural narratives. Fans of A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park or Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai would appreciate its themes of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney follows 12-year-old Amira, a Sudanese girl from South Darfur, whose life is turned upside down when the Janjaweed militia raids her village, forcing her community to flee in search of safety. Amidst the turmoil, Amira dreams of education and a better future, despite the resistance from her mother. The story explores themes of conflict, resilience, and hope. The novel contains mentions of animal cruelty, graphic violence, and death.

Inspirational / Hopeful / Emotional / Contemplative / Challenging

- The Red Pencil is notable for its lyrical prose, as Andrea Davis Pinkney wrote the book in verse, weaving poetry with prose to create a unique narrative structure.
- The book is illustrated by Shane W. Evans, whose artwork complements Pinkney's storytelling and adds a visual depth to the emotional and cultural aspects of the story.
- Pinkney chose the specific setting of Darfur to highlight the struggles and resilience of young girls in conflict zones, inspired by real-world events and the stories of Sudanese refugees.

**Amira**  
A 12-year-old Sudanese girl who is the protagonist and narrator of the story, known for her curiosity and creativity, living with her family on a farm in South Darfur.

**Dando**  
Amira and Leila's loving father who encourages Amira's curiosity and creativity, offering her a twig as a tool to explore her passions.

**Muma**  
Amira and Leila's strong mother, who holds traditional views on a woman's role and is protective of her family.

**Leila**  
Amira's imaginative and strong-willed younger sister, who overcomes her physical disability to play and explore with her best friend.

**Old Anwar**  
An elderly neighbor and friend of Amira's family, who values education and becomes a teacher and protector for Amira.

**Gamal**  
A young boy from Amira's village, the same age as Leila, who experiences trauma but finds healing through art and friendship.

**Halima**  
Amira's best friend, whose family's move to the city and enrollment in school inspires Amira's dreams and hopes for the future.

**Miss Sabine**  
A Sudan Relief worker who visits Kalma, providing Amira with a special red pencil that encourages her love for learning and self-expression.

Andrea Davis Pinkney

Middle grade

Novel/Book in Verse

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read The Red Pencil | SuperSummary

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Overview

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The Red Pencil Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Our Farm”

Part 1, Chapters 1-32

The Red Pencil Part 1, Chapters 1-32 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 33-79

The Red Pencil Part 1, Chapters 33-79 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Kalma”

Part 2, Chapters 80-112

The Red Pencil Part 2, Chapters 80-112 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 113-145

The Red Pencil Part 2, Chapters 113-145 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 146-180

The Red Pencil Part 2, Chapters 146-180 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Red Pencil Character Analysis

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Introduction

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The Red Pencil

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