Shooting Kabul

"A powerful read." --Ahmed Rashid, New York Times Bestselling author of Taliban

"By the end of the book, young readers will be cheering for Fadi as a good friend." --Mitali Perkins, author of Tiger Boy and You Bring the Distant Near

"Senzai has brought a whole new world to life for young readers. It is a world they won't soon forget." --Reza Aslan, author of No God but God

In the summer of 2001, twelve year old Fadi's parents make the difficult decision to illegally leave Afghanistan and move the family to the United States. When their underground transport arrives at the rendezvous point, chaos ensues, and Fadi is left dragging his younger sister Mariam through the crush of people. But Mariam accidentally lets go of his hand and becomes lost in the crowd, just as Fadi is snatched up into the truck. With Taliban soldiers closing in, the truck speeds away, leaving Mariam behind.

Adjusting to life in the United States isn't easy for Fadi's family and as the events of September 11th unfold the prospects of locating Mariam in a war torn Afghanistan seem slim. When a photography competition with a grand prize trip to India is announced, Fadi sees his chance to return to Afghanistan and find his sister. But can one photo really bring Mariam home?

Based in part on the Ms. Senzai's husband's own experience fleeing his home in Soviet controlled Afghanistan in the 1970s, Shooting Kabul is a powerful story of hope, love, and perseverance.

Author: N. H. Senzai
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Published: 06/22/2010
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.79lbs
Size: 8.70h x 6.16w x 1.01d
ISBN: 9781442401945
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.4
Point Value: 7
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 138279 / Shooting Kabul


Award: Middle East Book Awards - Winner
Award: South Carolina Childrens, Junior and Young Adult Book Award - Nominee
Award: Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award - Nominee
Award: Massachusetts Children's Book Award - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Review - Children 05/01/2010
School Library Journal 06/01/2010 pg. 119
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2010
Booklist 06/01/2010 pg. 78
Voice of Youth Advocates 08/01/2010 pg. 256 - Recommended - Readable
Publishers Weekly 09/27/2010
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2010 pg. 353 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw

About the Author
Senzai, N. H.: - N. H. Senzai is the author of the acclaimed Shooting Kabul, which was on numerous state award lists and an NPR Backseat Book Club Pick. Its companion, Saving Kabul Corner, was nominated for an Edgar Award. While her first two books are based in part on husband's experience fleeing Soviet-controlled Afghanistan in the 1970s, her third, Ticket to India is based on her own family's history. She is also the author of Escape from Aleppo. Ms. Senzai lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit her online at NHSenzai.com.