Cabot Learning Federation

Author Sharing Afghan Experience

Author Trent Reedy visited Bristol Metropolitan Academy to promote his brand new book.

The book is Trent Reedy’s breath-taking first novel Words in the Dust and is based on his own experiences serving with the US Army in Afghanistan working on building schools, providing security for the presidential election and handing out toys and sweets to Afghan children.

One of the children he encountered in Afghanistan was a young girl named Zulaikha, who had suffered since birth from a cleft lip and his unit voluntarily arranged for a U.S. army doctor to give her corrective surgery. Trent was inspired by Zulaikha’s change in demeanour, quiet courage and dignity. The last time he saw her, he promised to himself that he would tell her story.

During his visit to the academy he talked to around 80 Year Nine students, Post 16 pupils who were free and students across the academy from Afghanistan.

Helen Harman, Librarian, who has organised this visit said, “This is a great opportunity for our students to meet someone who has served their country in Afghanistan, no doubt the experiences he will share with our students will stay with them for a long time to come. This visit will also serve to promote literacy to our students and that reading can be fun, informative and a great way to learn.”