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lmfm's review
4.0
Even though I'm a grownup, I still like reading YA fiction, and I really liked this book. I learned about this from NPR's "backseat book club" and would definitely recommend it. It is about adapting to a new culture, overcoming prejudices, growing up and finding one's own passions/interests, and a wrenching story about the love of family.
sarank's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
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? No
4.5
lorayne's review
4.0
This is a great book to pair with The Breadwinner because it is about a family who escapes Afghanistan during Taliban rule and moves to the Bay Area. It also has themes that relate to being the new kid, standing up to bullies, and how families deal with incredible pain and hardship. I highly recommend this one!
shicklin's review
3.0
This one took me a while, not because it wasn't gripping, but because we have been going through a transition of our own over the last four months. This book was well written, and covered a myriad of sensitive topics both everyday middlegrade issues to globally larger problems. I am considering using this as a readaloud for the upcoming immigration unit I will be teaching. Good for boys or girls while addressing global situations.
t_caron's review
5.0
I read this book aloud to my 5th graders and it was wonderful. While they were skeptical at the beginning on whether they were going to enjoy it, by the end they couldn't get enough of it! The book evoked a strong range of emotions from my students and provided us with rich and powerful discussions about prejudice, racism, fear, anger, bullying, and love.
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.