Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Sadeed Bayat, a young Afghani boy, is chosen by his village to respond to a penpal request from an American girl. Abby Carson, the American girl, writes the letter as part of a special project that she must complete to avoid repeating sixth grade. Since it would be inappropriate for a Muslim boy to exchange correspondence with a girl, Sadeed's sister initially dictates most of the letters, with Sadeed recording and correcting along the way; soon, however, Sadeed becomes fascinated with the project and with Abby and decides to write a letter of his own. The story alternates between the two characters' viewpoints, with their correspondence rounding out the picture. Both Sadeed and Abby have strong voices, and the differences between their two worlds are carefully conveyed. The additional contrast, wherein Sadeed is an excellent student and Abby just squeaking by adds further interest, as does the fact that both characters are initially reluctant pen pals. The story is rife with plot contrivances, however, and it lacks pacing and punch. Much of the action seems dictated by the author's aim to demonstrate cross-cultural understanding rather than rising organically from the situations themselves. Occasional full-page pencil sketches are pale and bland, but they add visual dimension to the contrast in the kids' cultures. With its accessible exploration of cross-cultural connections, this is ripe for discussion, and it might therefore make a useful selection for a book club or reading group as well as appealing to fans of Clements' school-based stories.