82 pages 2 hours read

N. H. Senzai

Shooting Kabul

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Shooting Kabul, 11-year-old Fadi Nurzai and his family flee Taliban-controlled Afghanistan for San Francisco, but in the chaos, Fadi loses his six-year-old sister, Mariam. Struggling with his guilt while adapting to a new life, Fadi becomes determined to find Mariam by winning a photography contest that offers a trip to India, bringing him closer to her last known location. Sensitive topics include war, immigration struggles, and bullying.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

N. H. Senzai's Shooting Kabul compellingly captures a young Afghan boy's struggle with loss and adaptation in post-9/11 America. Reviewers praise the authentic cultural depictions, emotional depth, and accessible writing. However, some note that the plot occasionally feels predictable. Overall, it’s a heartfelt, educational read suitable for young audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Shooting Kabul?

Readers who would enjoy Shooting Kabul by N. H. Senzai are typically young adults interested in stories about resilience, immigration, and cultural identity. Similar to The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis and Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai, this book appeals to those who appreciate heartfelt, family-centered narratives set against historical backdrops.

Recommended

Reading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

800L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Children's Literature

Realistic Fiction

Topics

Military / War

Arts / Culture

Themes

Relationships: Family