Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai

 Junior Historical Fiction. This may be one of my top reads for the year. It is loosely based on the author's father-in-law's experience in fleeing Afghanistan when the Soviet's took over in the 1970s. It's told from the son's point of view who is around 12 or 13 years old. The author puts this story 30 years after her father-in-law left, right before the attacks on 9/11 in 2001. She describes well the details of their harried escape and the adjustment to life in the states and the family unity that is central to who they are. It helped me get a glimpse into their life, beliefs, and values. 

Recommend: Highly

It's the End of the World as I Know It by Matthew Landis

 Junior realistic fiction. This book opens on three friends that appear to be building a shelter to withstand the end of an epic, end of the world, natural disaster. Derrick, the main character, is obsessed with the upcoming Doomsday, even though he is only in 8th grade. As the story unfolds his neighbor, Misty, enters who wants to help him build the shelter and for some reason Derrick does not want her help. Derrick's sister and father seem to tolerate his obsession, but don't try to dissuade him. 

This was a fascinating story as the reasons behind Derrick's behavior comes to light. I won't spoil the plot by revealing what he and Misty are dealing with, but it is a wonderful story that left me pondering how I deal with hard things and how others can best support those going through difficult times. 

Recommend: Yes

24 Hours in Nowhere by Dusti Bowling

Junior realistic fiction.  Dusti Bowling may becoming one of my favorite authors. She wrote the two Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus books which I adored. Her books take place in the hot desert of Arizona and address bullying and not succumbing to peer pressure to be someone you are not, two really important subjects for young readers and for adults as well. 

Nowhere is a town in Arizona that tops all the charts: highest poverty rate, lowest high school graduation rate, most likely place to die by cactus impalement among others. Gus is stuck there like most everyone in the town and sees dead ends everywhere he looks, but within a matter of 24 hours hope blossoms in a most unexpected way. Gus discovers truths about others and himself and things don't look so bleak anymore, even though they are in the middle of Nowhere. 

Recommend: Yes.