This powerful, inspiring book tells the story of an ambitious Afghan girl who seeks to fulfill her promise to her mother, fight for the right to education, and empower girls. Zynab lives in a small village in Afghanistan where education is deemed unnecessary for girls and even frowned upon. But Zaynab's family and life are very different from those of other girls in her village. Her father is a teacher who began teaching her Rumi's poetry when she was only five. One poem, in particular, inspires and encourages her: "You were born with potential. You were born with divine energy You were born with wings. You were born with greatness, Fly, don't crawl." Zynab's life is turned upside down when her mother suddenly dies from an easily treatable disease because she refuses to see a male doctor. Now, it falls to Zynab to find a way to take her blind brother to India for the surgery that will restore his eyesight. Zaynab's quest to finish high school intensifies, as she knows she'll never make enough money without a high school diploma. With the help of Cindy, a US Peace Corps nurse, and longtime family friend, Zynab sets out to achieve her education dreams and fulfill her last promise to her mother. Zynab is inspired by actual events and portrays the real lives of girls and women in Afghanistan. It vividly shows their struggles against violence, forced marriage, and misogyny. It is a story about family bonds, redemption, friendship, and resilience in the face of despair. It takes readers beyond the headlines about war and transports them into a country with a unique culture, people, and history. Zynab's story will move, inspire, educate, and maybe even change how you think about America's longest war.