If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

Main content

World History Project - Origins to the Present

Course: World History Project - Origins to the Present > Unit 7

Lesson 7: Yeah, But? | 7.6
Arts and humanities
World History Project - Origins to the Present
Era 7 - The Great Convergence and Divergence (1880 CE to the future)
Yeah, But? | 7.6
© 2023 Khan AcademyTerms of usePrivacy PolicyCookie Notice

READ: Islam Alhashel (Graphic Biography)

Google Classroom
Islam Alhashel is a high school student in Ohio and a refugee from the uprising and civil war in Syria. Her experiences are representative of millions of refugees.
The Graphic Biography below uses “Three Close Reads”. If you want to learn more about this strategy, click here.

First read: skimming for gist

This will be your quickest read. It should help you get the general idea of what the graphic biography will be about. Pay attention to the title, headings, images, and layout. Ask yourself: what is this graphic biography going to be about?

Second read: understanding content

For this reading, you should be looking for unfamiliar vocabulary words, the major claim and key supporting details, and analysis and evidence. You should also spend some time looking at the images and the way in which the page is designed.
By the end of the second close read, you should be able to answer the following questions:
  1. Where was Islam Alhashel born and why did her family leave?
  2. Where did her family first find refuge, and how did they move onward?
  3. What were Islam’s experiences when they arrived in the United States?
  4. How does the artist use art and design to depict how Islam’s life was fractured, and then rebuilt?

Third read: evaluating and corroborating

In this read, you should use the graphic biography as evidence to support, extend, or challenge claims made in the course.
At the end of the third read, you should be able to respond to these questions:
  1. How does this biography of Islam Alhashel support, extend, or challenge what you have learned about how different communities have experienced globalization in the contemporary era?
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to read! Remember to return to these questions once you’ve finished reading.

Islam Alhashel (Graphic Biography)

Writer: Trevor R. Getz
Artist: Liz Clarke
Islam Alhashel is a high school student in Ohio and a refugee from the uprising and civil war in Syria. Her experiences are representative of millions of refugees.
Download the Graphic Biography PDF here or click on the image above.

Want to join the conversation?

Log in