Fadi and most of his family escape from Kabul to California only a few months before the events of 9/11 will make every American aware of his tiny country.  But in the chaos of the escape, Fadi lost hold of his little sister’s hand, and she was left behind.  He holds himself responsible, although we find out from overheard conversations that each member of the family holds himself responsible as well.  The family soldiers on, with father, a PhD in agriculture, driving taxi, and Fadi and his sister trying to fit in at school.  Fadi’s only consolation is his camera, and he is determined to win a photography contest which will allow him to travel to Pakistan with a team from National Geographic.

Fadi’s guilt over the loss of his sister is moving, and any reader will feel sympathy towards him and concern for the young girl.  Issues of prejudice in the wake of 9/11 are brought up through Fadi’s harassment by fellow students.  The major drawback to the story is the way in which the author attempts to fill in young readers’ gaps in their knowledge about Afghanistan and the Taliban.  Information is clunkily shared through conversations among adult Afghani immigrants discussing politics and current events.  The result is inauthentic, as Fadi’s older relatives would not need to hold these lengthy discussions about things they would already know, and the dialogue is clearly a vehicle for conveying necessary background knowledge.

For a more gracefully written story of pre-9/11 Afghanistan, look to The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis.  This is an additional title for upper elementary or middle school.  Includes a glossary and suggestions for further reading.