82 pages • 2 hours read
A 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.
272
Novel • Fiction
Kabul, Afghanistan • 2000s
2009
YA
8-12 years
800L
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.
Emotional
Adventurous
Hopeful
Inspirational
Contemplative
6,116 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
6,116 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mariam Nurzai
Fadi’s six-year-old sister, who gets separated from the family as they flee Afghanistan, known for her talkative and willful nature.
Habib Nurzai
Fadi's father and a former PhD student in agriculture, whose wisdom and bravery guide the family through the challenges they face as immigrants.
Noor Nurzai
Fadi’s teenage sister who initially acts as his adversary but grows to support him, especially after the family moves to the United States.
Zafoona Nurzai
Fadi's mother, whose illness and resulting absence from many family activities underscore her emotional and physical struggles.
Anh Hong
Fadi’s best friend at school who encourages him to enter a photography contest, helping him come out of his shell and confront personal challenges.
Ms. Bethune
Fadi’s art teacher and mentor who supports his creative endeavors and provides guidance as he deals with personal struggles.
272
Novel • Fiction
Kabul, Afghanistan • 2000s
2009
YA
8-12 years
800L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.