"What strikes are the mundane aspects of the brief war: going out to play and explore a familiar but ruined neighborhood, the boredom and fear of awaiting scheduled airstrikes, living with uncertainty about loved ones returning home. Still, there's room for optimism and humor despite Fadhil's harrowing experience."–Booklist "Roy (Jars of Hope) and Fadhil, an interpreter during Hussein's trial, offer a window into what Ali calls "the true Iraq" and a disturbing but accessible portrait of a civilian child's perspective on war."-Publishers Weekly "This blending of biography, historical fiction, and realistic fiction paints a vivid portrait of daily family life in Iraq and the trials many faced."–School Library Journal
