In Suzanne Fisher Staples’s Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind, eleven-year-old Shabanu, living in the desert of Pakistan, navigates cultural expectations and familial responsibilities while forming a deep bond with her camel, Mithoo, amid preparations for her sister Phulan’s wedding and her own impending marriage to Rahim, an older man with multiple wives. The book includes themes of arranged marriage and domestic violence.

Challenging

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Adventurous

Reviews & Readership

4.1

7,472 ratings

65%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Fisher Staples is praised for its authentic depiction of Pakistani culture and strong, relatable protagonist. Readers appreciate the vivid landscape descriptions and compelling narrative. However, some criticize the pacing and find certain cultural portrayals oversimplified. Overall, it's a poignant, eye-opening story on female agency.

Who Should Read Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind?

A reader who enjoys Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Fisher Staples is typically interested in coming-of-age stories set in culturally rich, exotic locales. Similar readers of Anne of Green Gables and A Long Walk to Water would appreciate the strong, young female protagonist facing societal challenges.

4.1

7,472 ratings

65%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind was awarded the Newbery Honor in 1990, recognizing it as one of the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children.

The author, Suzanne Fisher Staples, drew upon her own experiences working as a journalist in Pakistan to create an authentic and vibrant depiction of the culture and setting in the novel.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind is the first installment of a trilogy, followed by Haveli and The House of Djinn, continuing the story of the protagonist's journey and experiences.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

The Book Brief page features content created with AI tools guided by SuperSummary experts. Read our content pledge to explore how we innovate using AI combined with deep literary knowledge.

Book Details

Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre

Children`s Literature

•

Education

•

Realistic Fiction

Setting