Will Fadi ever find his sister?

Shooting Kabul by N. H. Senzai has a misleading title: the only "shooting" is done by a camera, and it happens in the U.S., not Kabul (in Afghanistan).  That said, this is an thoughtful book with a wealth of social issues to ponder or discuss.  After Fadi's father is threatened by the Taliban, the family flees Kabul in the middle of the night.  However, in all the chaos while trying to get on the escape truck, Fadi's younger sister Mariam lets go of his hand, and she is tragically left behind.  The family settles near San Francisco, where Fadi tries to adapt to his new middle school.  He's good at photography, and he sets his mind on winning a photography contest - the big prize is a flight to India, which is relatively close to the town where Mariam was last seen.  Can he win the contest and help reunite his family?  Although the ending is too abrupt, the story includes a rich description of Fadi's close family life and Afghan American culture; the glossary of unfamiliar words is a nice touch.

A picture's worth a thousand words

The Unforgotten Coat by Frank Cottrell Boyce is an interesting story told in an unusual way.  Julie is in sixth grade when two Mongolian boys in fur coats arrive in her classroom: Chingis is a bit mouthy to the teacher and demands that his silent younger brother Nergui stay with him to be protected from a demon.  Julie is fascinated by these boys who are so different, and when they decide that she is their Good Guide, she's thrilled and does her best to learn about their culture and help them adapt. Interspersed throughout the story are Polaroid pictures which Chingis uses to explain his homeland, but Julie eventually learns that the boys are illegal immigrants fearful of being deported, and the pictures aren't quite what they appear to be.  The book is both touching and humorous; it would be terrific for a book club or group discussion.

Starting over in America

At the end of the story, you'll understand the multiple meanings of the title, Ashes of Roses by Mary Jane Auch. Rose Nolan and her family are emigrating from Ireland to the U.S. in 1911 with the hopes of starting a new life. However, at Ellis Island her baby brother is diagnosed with an eye infection; most of her family returns to Ireland, while Rose and younger sister stay in New York. Rose eventually rents a room from a elderly Jewish man and his daughter, who helps Rose get a job at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. Rose starts to make friends and enjoy her job, despite the less-than-ideal working conditions, but soon she and the other workers are fighting for their lives in the infamous fire at the factory, one of the worst industrial accidents in U.S. history. I liked the author's ability to convey the Irish-ness of Rose and her sister; a great book for fans of historical fiction.

Desperate to cross

La Linea by Ann Jaramillo will give you an idea of how desperate some people are to get into the U.S. Years ago, Miguel and Elena's parents left them in Mexico for California. On Miguel's 15th birthday, he receives a note from his father, with enough money for Miguel to make the illegal crossing across la linea himself. However, his carefully laid plans are shattered when he finds that Elena has followed him. After most of their money is stolen and they're on their own, their only option is to hop the mata gente, a northbound freight train known as the "people killer" because of the extreme danger involved. Although the story line resembles that of Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs, La Linea is much grittier, telling more about the realities of crossing: the effects of dehydration, the violence of soldiers, the betrayal and corruption. I had a little bit of trouble with the amount of Spanish words in the text, but I was able to figure out enough to understand what was going on. A frightening, real-life adventure.

A difficult but inspiring journey

Based on the true experiences of the author's great-aunt, Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse is an amazing glimpse at the strength of a child. Written as a series of letters to her cousin back home in Russia, 12-year-old Rifka details her journey to America. It was difficult enough just to get as far as Belgium, but when it's discovered that Rifka has ringworm, she has to stay behind while the rest of her family gets on the steamship. She eventually gets to leave and survives a deadly ocean crossing, only to be quarantined at Ellis Island because of the baldness caused by the ringworm - the immigration authorities think she will never get a husband and they will end up supporting her. But Rifka's survival instinct is strong, and she's both intelligent and resourceful, and all turns out well. A wonderful story of courage and perseverance.