McKay, Sharon. Thunder Over Kandahar.8 July 2012, Annick Press
Yasmine's parents have moved the family from the UK back to their homeland of Afghanistan, but things are not going well. Her father is frequently getting in trouble with his university, and her mother can't work. After the two are attacked by the Taliban and the mother is badly beaten, Yasmine is even more determined to leave. She is lonely, and when she meets Tamanna, who is about to be sold into marriage by a drug addicted uncle, she is happy. When both of Yasmine's parents are attacked and badly injured, they are to be airlifted out of the country, but Yasmine goes back. She and Tamanna end up being abandoned by the man who is supposed to take them to safety, and their long journey to the border of Pakistan begins. Since girls are not supposed to be out alone, even when covered by a burka, their journey is treacherous and ends with Yasmine being gravely injured and separated from Tamanna. Since she has lost her memory after a suicide bomber attack, she spends a great deal of time in Pakistan before her family finds her.
Strengths: Great detail about like in Afghanistan, as well as explanations as to why some people return and try to change things even though they are in great peril. Some excellent twists, and a fantastic friendship between two very different girls. Very much enjoyed this.
Weaknesses: The violence might be a bit much for younger students, but explains a lot for older ones.
It sounds like a great book. There don't seem to be many about life in Afghanistan so happy to learn of this!
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