Title: Enduring Freedom
Author: Trent Reedy & Jawad Arash
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Pages: 352
Rating: 5/5
Enduring Freedom is a fictional YA book based on the horrific events that took place on 9/11/2001. I remember where I was when the planes hit. I was in global history class in High School. I saw the smoke from the the first tower from the window. It was such a life changing moment for everyone around the world. It was a time of uncertainty, and reflecting; the course of history would change forever. Right after those tragic events, troops were immediately dispatched to Afghanistan to fight in the war.
Baheer is a boy from Afghanistan. His life revolves around his educations. He’s very studious and wants nothing but to educate himself and learn English. His brother on the other hand, only cared to work. Learning and having an education meant absolutely nothing to him. Baheer just sits and sees how his family lives in constant fear because of the wars and violence that plagues their country every single day. He wants better than that for them.
Joe is a young army private who lives on the other side of the world. He’s studying to be a journalist, which is one of his biggest dreams. Joe just wishes that he could be a full time journalist and give up the rifle. When September 11th happens, Joe is immediately shipped to Afghanistan, flipping his life upside down. When Joe and his unit arrive to Afghanistan, he’s on high alert. He doesn’t’t trust anyone. On the other hand, Baheer see’s it as an opportunity to learn from the soldiers, especially English.
When Baheer and Joe meet, they’re uncertain about each other, but as they get to know each other they start to see how much they have in common; their friendship blossoms. Of course, the friendship doesn’t come without some rocky moments. Baheer and Joe’s friendship is put to the test. Will they be able to ignore the differences and situations that surround them. Huge thanks to Algonquin Young Readers and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (less)
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