Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai

This book was a super good read.  It was clean, it was interesting, it was different, and you couldn't wait to find out what happened at the end.  The main character, Fadi, a 12 y/o boy from Afganistan who leaves the country with his family is smart, of good moral character, and has a deep love for his family that drives him to do everything possible to find his missing sister.  Best of all, this is a book young guys would like!  Yeah!

Goodbye Vietnam by Gloria Whelan

Another fabulous book by Gloria Whelan.  Gripping story of a Vietnamese family trying to leave Vietnam before being imprisoned by the government.  It is a short book with lots of action and drama.  Eye opening as to what these families had to go through to escape an oppressive government.  Grief and heartache for many, freedom for some.  Very good read. 

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gaunt

I know I said I would not review Newbery winners, but this one is targeted for boys and is a fabulous read.  Several times throughout the book the main character says "Cheezus Crust" as a pseudo curse which I suppose some would find offensive, but I did not.  This book has mystery, outlandish characters, and the funny adventures of a grounded 14 year old boy in the midwest during the 1960's.  He has some hysterical times with his single, elderly neighbor woman, and there is a lot of history thrown in for good measure.  A great read!

The Robber and Me by Josef Holub

I found this book at the Goodwill and the synopsis on the back made it sound really good.  However, this book was translated from German.  I had trouble believing that this book was written in 1997, it seemed much older!  The reviews I read on Amazon were good, but I thought it had too many German terms, town names, etc. and a couple of awkard scenes for kids to actually like it.  I did finish it, but I would not recommend it for young boys who are the target audience for this book.  Rats!  I'll have to keep on looking for books boys will enjoy!

Shabanu - Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Fisher Staples

Just finished this book about a Pakistani girl and her life in the desert.  This book is definitely for older girls as references are made about developing breasts, starting periods and what it will be like to be married, that I am sure boys would find disgusting.  The book depicts women as second class citizens and contains some violent scenes, however, I really enjoyed this book and am anxious to read the next one.  I learned a lot about middle eastern culture and actually read ahead to see what happened to the strong young woman
protagonist.  Sad at times, engaging in others, this book will keep you interested until the very end. 

Promises to the Dead by Mary Downing Hahn

This really good book takes place at the time of the Civil War.  It's about a 12 y/o boy who makes a promise to a dying slave woman that he will bring her 3 y/o son to a relatives house in Baltimore.  Clean, action packed, quick read.  Historical fiction but no where near boring.  This is the first book by Mary Downing Hahn that I have read.  She has written a lot of other books, but  by the covers they all look like ghost stories.  Has anyone read any of her other books?  Let me know. 

Lemonade Wars by Jacqueline Davies

Loved it!  Moved a bit slower than any book I've read recently, but is a great story about brother/sister relationships.  Big brother is upset because little sis will be skipping a grade and be in his classroom in the fall.  Covers all of the angst and anger that he is feeling as well as her not getting why he is upset.  Good, clean read about two siblings who really do love and enjoy being together even though a lemonade stand competition would lead you to believe otherwise.  Has two sequels that I have not read yet.