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''I was in an entirely different country, in an unfamiliar classroom at 14 years old, in strange new shoes, unable to speak the language. I knew people were trying to ask me who I was and where I was from.'' ''And I remember thinking, how could I ever tell them?'' When Arman was 13, the Taliban attacked his village in the mountains and he was forced to flee for his life. He was separated from his family and braved wolves, bandits and war, as he walked for weeks until he reached Turkey. He barely survived the hazardous boat crossing to Europe but eventually found himself arriving in Dover, clinging to the underside of a lorry. There, for the first time in months, an adult showed him kindness and he broke down. This was only the start of his journey. Despite being unable to speak English when he arrived, he quickly discovered a passion and aptitude for the language and literature, getting GCSEs, A-levels and making it to university. As an adult he has worked in refugee camps and advised governments and charities on their policies towards displaced children, trying to make sure that no child will ever have to go through what he did. Arman Azad translates to hope and freedom and this unforgettable story is a pursuit for exactly that, from a child who deserved to live in safety, not flee in fear. Emotive, heartfelt and transformative, this is Arman''s unbelievable story of seeking a better life and education, and the marks left by displacement. For fans of I Am Malala , Educated and Butterfly , Arman''s is a powerful new voice you won''t forget.
