Shooting Kabul is the story of an Afghan refugee family who move to the U.S. in August of 2001. They have a huge problem–their daughter was lost in the chaos of their relocation. Then calamity strikes–the Taliban strike the U.S. in the most deadly terrorist attack in the nation’s history. Fadi faces backlash from his classmates, but maintains focus on winning a competition that will help him find his sister.
This book is appropriate for grades 4-8. It is written on a 5th grade reading level. My students read this for a summer reading requirement and responded well to it.
This book introduces young readers to immigrant experiences–specifically Muslim immigrants in the time of Islamic terrorism. It shows a peaceful side of Islam, and includes scenes of the family visiting a mosque and hearing the imam condemn terrorists.
SPOILERS BELOW:
This book does not contain swear words or inappropriate material. The only objectionable content may be a few fight scenes (the main character gets beat up, and later joins a group of boys who throw two bullies in a lake).
Leave a Reply