In the noisy streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh, another busy morning is beginning as Yasmin rides to work in her father's rattling rickshaw. Yasmin longs to go to school so she can learn to read, but her family needs the money she and her sister earn at the brickyard to help keep the rice bag full and the roof repaired.
As she hammers away at bricks day after day, Yasmin dreams of a different life. If she could read, she could be anything she wants to be when she grows up. One night Yasmin has an idea?a secret plan that will bring her one step closer to making her dream a reality.
Compassionately told and inspired by contemporary news articles, Yasmin's Hammer offers a fresh perspective on the value of education. Readers will admire Yasmin's persistence in reaching for her goals and the enduring love of her hardworking family in this hopeful story of a bright young girl whose mind is set on changing her future.
ANN MALASPINA is the author of numerous books for young people. Her interest in equal rights and social change often leads her to write about people struggling on the margins of society to improve their quality of life. She was inspired to write Yasmin's Hammer after traveling in South Asia and reading about young workers in Bangladesh. Malaspina lives with
her family in northern New Jersey.
DOUG CHAYKA has illustrated several highly—praised picture books. He also teaches illustration at Pratt Institute and Ringling College of Art, and his work has been displayed in the Society of Illustrators Best of Children's Book Art exhibit. He and his wife live in Highland
Park, New Jersey.
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