Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers

By Uma Mishra-Newbery, Lina Al-Hathloul, Rebecca Green (Illustrator)

A girl defies tradition to soar in a world where only boys can fly.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 372 ratings

40 pages· 1,139 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In a land where only boys can fly, Loujain dreams of soaring through the sky. Inspired by her father's daily flights, she yearns to see the vibrant sunflower fields from above. Despite societal rules and classmates' taunts, Loujain's determination leads her father to teach her the art of flying. As her dream takes flight, she inspires other girls to challenge the norms. This enchanting tale, rooted in real-life activism, celebrates courage and the pursuit of freedom, urging readers to envision and strive for change.

From the publisher

A courageous girl follows her dream of learning to fly in this “clever narrative” filled with “extraordinary spirit… gorgeous colors… a magical quality” (New York Times). Inspired by formerly imprisoned human rights activist Loujain AlHathloul, this sparkling fantasy story is perfect for fans of Malala’s Magic Pencil and the Rebel Girls series. “Poetic, moving, and empowering.” - Kirkus Reviews Loujain watches her beloved baba attach his feather wings and fly each morning, but her own dreams of flying face a big obstacle: only boys, not girls, are allowed to fly in her country. Yet despite the taunts of her classmates, she is determined to do it–especially because Loujain loves colors, and only by flying can she see the color-filled field of sunflowers her baba has told her about. Eventually, he agrees to teach her, and Loujain’s impossible dream becomes reality–and soon other girls dare to learn to fly. Based on the experiences of co-author Lina AlHathloul’s sister, Nobel Peace Prize nominee Loujain AlHathloul, who led the successful campaign to lift Saudi Arabia’s ban on women driving, this moving and gorgeously illustrated story reminds us to strive for the changes we want to see–and to never take for granted women’s and girls’ freedoms.

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