Voice of Youth Advocates

Hope and despair dance uneasily with each other throughout the pages of this simple yet powerful book. Although it is clichÚd to say that something takes one "behind the headlines," this book truly makes the daily struggles of Afghan's children seem real and personally compelling. Comprised of photojournalist O'Brien's portraits of Afghani children ages eight through fifteen, this book explores the lives of diverse youth including pickpockets, students, and those working as bakers, incense sellers, and carpet makers. It includes a section on youth living in Kabul and those residing in the countryside. One of the most striking aspects of the photos is that the youth seem significantly older than they actually are. O'Brien's photographs are accompanied by responses to interviews conducted by O'Brien and documentarian Sullivan. The authors asked the youth about their dreams and wishes and what they would like to show children from another country. As the authors explain in their introduction, the answers ranged from hopes for daily survival to dreams about the future, but many focused on their strong desire for education. Most American readers will need help from teachers and librarians to discover this book. Although moving and insightful, it does not necessarily fit the needs of homework assignments. Although the number and scope of young people profiled is one of the book's greatest strengths, it may also be a weakness for readers who prefer to thoroughly get to know and identify with a few subjects.-Amy Luedtke.

School Library Journal (Mon Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2008)

Gr 4 Up-This handsome photo-essay features contemporary Afghan children ranging in age from 8 to 18 years. They were asked about their families, lives, and hopes for the future. The young people's straightforward statements tell much about the devastating effects of decades of war. Some of them are still able to attend school; others wish they could. Even the youngest children work part of the day, often at street markets or in their family businesses, such as rug making. Two 10-year-olds pick pockets to survive. The matter-of-fact way they describe losing parents, siblings, and homes to war is jarring. Overall, the book provides a sensitive, poignant, and respectful look at the lives of these young people. It avoids sentimentality and politicizing. While the book will need an introduction, it offers Western children insight into a country and society often featured in the news. This is a timely, relevant, and well-executed offering. Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI

Kirkus Reviews

A photojournalist and a filmmaker visit "a country at war with itself and a country that has been a pawn in the wars of imperial interests for centuries" and return with compelling portraits of 35 of its boys and girls. Ranging from eight to 18, the Afghani children are photographed in a soft light, exhibiting expressions from pensive to joyful and usually posed face-on so they gaze directly up at viewers. Most look older than their years; some display scars or other (healed) injuries; all have been touched in by violence. Their accompanying remarks, in the form of answers to questions about schooling, families and wishes for the future, are revealing, though couched in language that echoes the formality of the portraits: "I have been working as a thief for twenty days, stealing from people's pockets. I've done it ten times, it's true, ten times in twenty days. I want my real father to come back, I want my sisters and brothers, and I want a house," says 10-year-old Wahaab. The goofy grin of 13-year-old Najmudin in the final photo lightens the solemnity but strengthens the overall message that these resilient young folk haven't lost their hope of better things to come. (Informational picture book. 8-10)

Horn Book (Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

This book consists of succinct first-person accounts of the realities and aspirations of Afghani children and teens interviewed by O'Brien and Sullivan. The volume is artfully designed, with stirring photographs providing a portrait of the country and its people.