Shooting Kabul
#1 of 2 in The Kabul Chronicles Series
on Goodreads (5,711)
What’s inside...
In the summer of 2001, twelve-year-old Fadi's family secretly escapes from Taliban-ruled Afghanistan to the United States. When their journey takes a disastrous turn, Fadi is left grasping at the unthinkable: his younger sister, Mariam, gets lost in the city of Kabul. As Fadi adjusts to life in San Francisco and copes with the guilt of his sister's disappearance, the events of September 11th make locating Mariam in war-torn Afghanistan seem slim. Fadi discovers a photography competition with a grand prize trip to India, seeing it as his chance to return to Afghanistan and find his sister. 'Shooting Kabul' is a powerful story of hope, love, and perseverance based partly on the author’s husband's experience fleeing Soviet-controlled Afghanistan in the 1970s.
Character compass
Fadi Nurzai
Zafoona Nurzai
Noor Nurzai
Ms. Bethune
Habib Nurzai
Discussion points
How do you think Fadi felt when he lost his sister in the crowded market? What would you do in his situation?
The story portrays various aspects of cultural identity. What did you learn about Afghan culture and the challenges that immigrants might face?
Fadi uses photography to cope with his challenges. How do you think creative outlets like photography help individuals deal with difficult situations?
What does the concept of 'home' mean to you, and how does it compare to Fadi’s understanding throughout the book?
Discuss the importance of family in 'Shooting Kabul'. How do Fadi's family members support each other despite the hardships they face?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening to encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions about the story’s events and characters.
Connect discussions to current events or personal experiences to make the conversation more relevant and engaging for your child.
Encourage your child to explore more about Afghan culture and history, which can provide deeper context to the story and promote inclusivity.
Discuss the resilience displayed by the characters, asking your child to think about times they had to be resilient in their own life.
Highlight Fadi's growth throughout the book and ask your child to reflect on how challenges can sometimes lead to personal development and new opportunities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Shooting Kabul', the protagonist, Fadi, experiences displacement and the struggle of adapting to a new culture. His journey highlights the emotional and physical challenges faced by refugees.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the diverse backgrounds of their peers and offer support and understanding to those who might be experiencing similar challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Fadi's persistent efforts to find his lost sister illustrate a strong family bond and the importance of never giving up, no matter how dire the situation.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of family and the importance of persisting through difficult times with hope and determination.
Example Lesson: The power of personal passion
Explanation: Fadi uses his passion for photography to connect with his new community and cope with his troubles. His love for photography ultimately plays a crucial role in his efforts to find his sister.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and cultivate their interests and hobbies as a way of expressing themselves and overcoming personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and respect
Explanation: The story provides a window into Afghan culture and the difficulties faced by immigrants, fostering a sense of respect and appreciation for different cultures.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness, encouraging children to learn about and respect diverse cultures and traditions.