82 pages • 2 hours read
N. H. SenzaiShooting Kabul
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
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
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
800L