Courage - My Story of Persecution

As a girl and as part of an ethnic minority in Afghanistan, Freshta Tori Jan was persecuted relentlessly. Her family faced kidnappings and daily murder attempts on the bus, on the way to school, in the workplace, and beyond. Freshta's school was shut down by the Taliban, and many of her friends were murdered and shot. Her journey through poverty, terrorism, and other forms of injustice has enabled her to be a voice for those unable to share their stories and those unable to receive the opportunities she has sought. She believes in empowering youth in order to bring about change and be the leaders of today and tomorrow.

With a voice that is both accessible and engaging, Freshta brings forward a captivating first-person account of strength, resilience, and determination, and delivers compelling narrative nonfiction by young people, for young people.

About the author

Freshta Tori Jan is a student at Calvin College, the founder of Sew True Products, and serves as a public speaker for marginalized groups. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Product details

• Authors: Dave Eggers, Freshta Tori Jan, Zainab Nasrati, Zoe Ruiz, Freshta Tori Jan, Amanda Uhle
• Assisted by: Dave Eggers (Editor), Zainab Nasrati (Editor), Zoë Ruiz (Editor), Amanda Uhle (Editor), Eggers Dave (Editor of the series), Zainab Nasrati (Editor of the series), Zoë Ruiz (Editor of the series), Amanda Uhle (Editor of the series)
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: ages 8 to 12
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.07.2025
• EAN: 9781324016670
• ISBN: 978-1-324-01667-0
• No. of pages: 128
• Dimensions: 150 mm x 218 mm x 15 mm
• Weight: 284 g
• Illustrations: Black-and-white spot art
• Series: I, Witness
• Subjects: Children's and young people's books > Non-fiction books / Non-fiction picture books > History, politics; JUVENILE NONFICTION / Social Topics / Prejudice & Racism, Middle East, People & places (Children's / Teenage), Educational: History, Social issues (Children's / Teenage), JUVENILE NONFICTION / Activism & Social Justice, Children’s / Teenage: Social issues / topics, JUVENILE NONFICTION / Places / Middle East