Thunder Over Kandahar

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is expressing a desire to understand global conflicts, the lived experiences of refugees, or the realities of women's rights in different cultures. It is an ideal choice for a mature middle or high schooler who is ready to move beyond simple hero narratives and explore the complex, high-stakes endurance required to survive in a war zone. The story follows Yasmine, who moves from England back to her parents' homeland of Afghanistan, only to find herself a target of the Taliban. Alongside her friend Tamanna, she embarks on a grueling trek across the mountains toward Pakistan. While the book contains intense scenes of wartime violence and systemic oppression, it centers on the fierce bonds of female friendship and the resilience of the human spirit. It serves as a powerful window into a world where education and safety are hard-won prizes rather than guarantees.