Archive for August, 2014
Shooting Kabul by N. H. Senzai
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Aug.16, 2014, under Battle of the Books 2014-2015, Historical Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Sam's Reviews
Who would like this book? This book is important for anyone grades 6 and up to read because of its portrayal of the heart-wrenching experiences of an Afghan (Pukhtun) family.
The goods on this book: It’s July of 2001, and Fadi’s father has become so disillusioned with the Taliban that he decides to pay for his family to escape from Kabul, Afghanistan and settle in San Francisco, where Fadi’s father had earned a PhD when he was younger. The description of their escape is grueling, especially when their family suffers a tragedy. This tragedy dogs Fadi and his family as they attempt to begin a new life in California, and Fadi cannot stop from blaming himself. For an 11-year-old, it is a lot to handle. Then comes 9/11, and Fadi must deal with a new level of discrimination at school and more problems at home. Photography is what saves him, and there is also hope that photography might provide a way to resolve the family tragedy. Shooting Kabul is a worthwhile read both as a window into another culture that is vitally important for us to understand and as a riveting story of one boy’s struggle to make amends.
The details: 2010; 273 pages Review by Samrarian
This book is a 2014-2015 Battle of the Books selection.
Poison by Bridget Zinn
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Aug.16, 2014, under Adventure, Battle of the Books 2014-2015, Fantasy, Sam's Reviews
Who would like this book? If you’re in grades 6 and up and looking for a fun, fantastical romp featuring a savvy, witty girl who is a master of potions (especially poison), then this book is for you.
The goods on this book: Kyra, at sixteen, possesses secret knowledge that her kingdom is about to be destroyed. To prevent this catastrophe, she has attempted to kill the princess, her best friend from when they were young. As a potions master, Kyra does not make mistakes or miss her target. This time, though, she misses, and now she is a fugitive, running from her former potioner roommates and from the king’s army. Kyra must travel through the kingdom incognito, and her adventures interlace suspense, humor, and captivating surprises. Plot twists abound, as do interesting characters that include a handsome charmer and an indispensable piglet. This book is a madcap fantasy full of magic, mystery, and mayhem.
The details: 2013; 276 pages Review by Samrarian
This book is a 2014-2015 Battle of the Books selection.
One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Aug.16, 2014, under Abuse, Battle of the Books 2014-2015, Real life, Sam's Reviews
Who would like this book? People ages 12 and up looking for a realistic book about a foster care kid overcoming the odds.
The goods on this book:
In her 12 years, Carley Conners has gathered many reasons to distrust people and to put up a defense of anger. After her stepfather beats her and her mother severely, Carley is placed in a foster home with the Murphys while her mother recovers in a hospital. Carley has never experienced a family like the Murphys, full of love, humor, and acceptance. Her defensive bad attitude cannot hold up for long in the midst of Mrs. Murphy’s patient, loving nature and her young sons’ rambunctious inclusion of Carley. As she is gradually enfolded into the Murphy family, experiences at school also surprise her. When the inevitable return of her mother into her life comes, how will Carley react? One for the Murphys is a tearjerker for sure, and a moving drama about overcoming the odds and discovering self-worth. The author makes Carley come to life, and Carley’s transitions are very believable. People who like this book might also appreciate Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor.
The details: 2012; 224 pages
This book is a 2014-2015 Battle of the Books selection. Review by Samrarian
