A girl in Illinois and a boy in Afghanistan develop a growing friendship as the result of a pen pal project. But some people in their respective communities are not very happy

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This story of a long distance pen pal friendship that works on many levels. Both Abby and Sadeed are thoughtfully delineated and very likeable. I was quite moved by the way they connected despite their different cultures and personalities This book shows the reader the contrast between two lives growing up in small town Afghanistan and Illinois. Finally, Abby is a great example to the many kids out there who would rather climb a mountain than read a book. ( )

This is a fantastic story of accepting situations and people for what they are and pushing to achieve goals. Abby finds herself about to be held back if she cannot do better in school and ends up needing an extra credit assignment to bring her grades up. Little did she know that she would be making a new friend in another part of the world! Sadeed is a good student in Afghanistan and is not pleased at the thought of having to help his sister write letters back and forth with a girl in America but soon finds himself looking forward to the letters just as much as his sister. ( )

Abby is going to be held back a grade so she gets an extra credit project where she is a pen pal to a kid in Afghanistan. Sadeed was suppose to be her pen pal but has to do it in secret because of his culture. But in the end both of their cultures have problems so they end up having to stop writing however they come out of this experience with more appreciation on life.