I have a difficult time reading children’s or middle-grade fiction because I recognize too many of the elements that go into writing them. Shooting Kabul was no different, and at first I struggled, but the story was so engaging that I didn’t give up. By the end, I was completely immersed in the story despite seeing all those bits and pieces of writing. I was impressed with Senzai’s ability to provide a balanced perspective on Afghanistan, immigration, and the trouble that immigrants had in America after 9/11. It didn’t condemn either side, which I liked. It also teaches a very basic history of Afghanistan which didn’t teach me much personally, since I’ve read a lot about Afghanistan over the last few years, but I imagine would teach middle-grade readers quite a lot. I like that it ends on a hopeful note as well, making it one of those books that I feel I could just hug. I’m definitely passing this one on to my kids!