ashleyeila's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
dmturner's review
4.0
A very good read, with a nuanced view of the Taliban occupation of Afghanistan. A young boy escapes Afghanistan with his family, but his six year old sister is left behind. He must deal with that, with middle school bullies, and with the backlash against Muslims caused by the events of 9/11. Ends a little abruptly.
afro8921's review
3.0
Fadi's family made and arduous journey to America from Kabul. Fadi's little sister was separated from the family and remains lost in Kabul. Fadi must learn how to be Muslim, a brother, and a friend in a strange new land.
lynnietakalele's review
4.0
Though a little simplistic, I still felt close with the family and was surprised by how the sister was found.
sophiebhk's review
4.0
I was not into this book in the beginning because it was hard to understand, but then I got really into it and I could not put it down! I recommend this book to many people!
saramarjorie10's review
4.0
There are too few books that explore the Middle East from a child's eyes. Shooting Kabul kept me guessing to the very last page. I could feel for Fadi as he told the story of his family escaping Kabul, only to lose his sister. I felt heartbroken as a young boy blamed himself for a loss that was not his fault. Senzai does an incredible job documenting the family's immigration to San Francisco, and simply yet powerfully explains the change in American attitudes towards Middle Easterners following 9/11. The only trouble I had with this book is the neat ending wrapped up in a bow. Yes, this is childrens literature, the the climax and resolution to Fadi's story happen in 3 pages. Either way, this book will definitely have a place in my classroom this year.
zoefcampion's review
5.0
The book Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai is about a boy named Fadi who has run away from the Taliban in Kabul, Afghanistan to Fremont, California. But, in the process of escaping his little sister, Mariam, gets lost in the crowd and does not make it to America with the rest of the family. As the events of 9/11 unfold, getting Mariam out of Afghanistan seem slim. Then, when a photography competition is announced with a grand prize to India, Fadi sees a chance to go to Afghanistan to rescue Mariam. But can he really win a photo competition?
I really liked the book Shooting Kabul. N.H. Senzai does a good job of making the book suspenseful. Here is an example of that:"Instinctively he clung to Mariam's hand, but her sweaty fingers slipped through his just as the truck rolled forward and picked up speed." I recommend this book to people who like adventure stories and realistic fiction.
I really liked the book Shooting Kabul. N.H. Senzai does a good job of making the book suspenseful. Here is an example of that:"Instinctively he clung to Mariam's hand, but her sweaty fingers slipped through his just as the truck rolled forward and picked up speed." I recommend this book to people who like adventure stories and realistic fiction.