Kids of Kabul Hardcover – May 1, 2012

I have just received the book and have not yet had a chance to read it from cover to cover. I have a keen interest in the children of Afghanistan so I am sure this book will be welcomed in my library and I will enjoy the read.

Bought this for the library I am building in Livingstone Zambia . It is a simple, wonderful way for the girls at St. Mary's Private school to understand the people, especially young women, in this part of the world. An introduction for them that I am sure is meaningful.

The shipping was quick and the quality was better than I expected for a used book. The details said folded pages and those don't really bother me but the actual state of the book was great.

Love it

Kids of Kabul includes the stories of a couple dozen kids from Afghanistan told in their own words. Each story begins with a little extra information that does a bit to clarify what the child is talking about (for example, why one child used to live in a jail along with her mom or why another young girl is in prison for running away from her abusive, elderly husband). The stories all have heartbreaking components, but are also extremely hopeful. Reading this book gives hope that the kids will be able to improve the future of Afghanistan.

I found this book both heartbreaking and inspiring. My daughter picked it up in our local school library. She was intrigued because she had previously met and become friends with a girl from Afghanistan, so wanted to know more about girls' lives there. She was stunned to realize that her friend is one of the subjects of this book and was so touched that she brought it home to share with us.Rather than meeting someone struggling to overcome her traumatic experiences, she had met an exceptional teen who continues to lean forward, determined to educate herself well so she can continue the advocacy work she has already begun on behalf of her sisters at home. Nilab is currently attempting to raise enough funds to cover the costs of a college education here in the US. To return to Afghanistan now would most certainly mean a marriage and the end of her education. If you have any interest in supporting her quest to empower others like her, please check out her crowdrise website entitled, "Help an Afghan girl go to school."

From the author of the Breadwiner, Deborah Ellis,this captivating book is a must read for middle school and older. Ellis goes to back to Kabul and interviews children from the area. The interviews are not for the fainthearted.The children talk about being orphans, forced into marriages, drug abuse and starvation. Even with everything that has happened to them they still are optimistic about their futures.

Stories like this need to be told over and over until we in other parts of the world are aware that maybe WE can be a part of the solution in places like Afghanistan. Deborah Ellis writes very honestly about the children and their plight, and it is up to us to find OUR own way of helping to make the world a safer, kinder place for all children. No problem can be solved easily, but by lighting ONE candle we can help enlighten the world....Thank you Deborah for bringing these stories to us.