A powerful novel of enduring friendship set amid the terror and chaos of present-day Afghanistan.

Best friends Tamanna and Yasmine cannot believe their good fortune when a school is set up in their Afghan village; however, their dreams for the future are shattered when the Taliban burn down the school and threaten the teacher and students with death. As Tamanna faces an arranged marriage to an older man, and the Taliban target Yasmine’s Western-educated family, the girls realize they must flee. Traveling through dangerous mountain passes, the two unaccompanied teens find themselves in mortal danger as they confront land mines, a suicide bomber, and roving bands of Taliban. But when the two girls are separated, they are left without the one thing that has helped them survive—each other.



Author Bio: Sharon E. McKay is a bestselling, award-winning author. She spent time in Afghanistan in 2009, conducting research for this novel.



Review 1: This suspenseful tale of two young women on their own in modern Afghanistan makes riveting reading. (Kirkus Reviews 201009)

Thunder over Kandahar provides a gripping, empathetic look at one of the most dangerous and misogynistic societies in existence today. (Michelle Superle Canadian Materials 20110131)

The girls' alternating viewpoints capture the heartbreaking trauma and concerned young people will be caught up in the issues. (Hazel Rochman Booklist 20101119)

Informative and inspiring... well-constructed and believable... This novel should become essential classroom reading for students in Grades 7 and 8. (Canadian Children's Book Centre 20110501)

Courage, love, sacrifice, and, most importantly, hope for a brighter future... McKay has written a wonderful novel of great importance. (edwardsmagazinebookclub.com 20101203)

...best understood as [an] enduring example of extreme circumstances inspiring selflessness. (Foreword Reviews 20110601)

This story, enhanced with black and white photographs and filled with drama and tension, realistically portrays contemporary life in Afghanistan. (Judean A. Wise, Library Media Specialist, Woodworth Middle School, Fond du Lac, WI Library Media Connection 201012)

Powerful... (Open Book Toronto 201012)

A riveting and suspenseful story... This book is an essential read for students in Grade 7 and up. (Professionally Speaking 20110214)

Fast-paced action and appealing characters...bring young readers face to face with the realities of modern Afghanistan. (Quill and Quire 201012)

McKay...portrays the unsettled nature of life in a war-torn country and especially the plight of the women... Highly recommended. (Resource Links 201012)

Actress Mozhan Marno's dramatic reading turns Sharon E McKay's novel Thunder Over Kandahar into powerful theater for the ears. (Judy Green Sacramento Bee 20110228)

What shines through this sad narrative is the love Afghans have for their country...(a) gripping tale. (School Library Journal )

A powerful read.... McKay is able to bring this far-away, well-researched story right into your bedroom (or wherever you like to read). (What If? Canada's Creative Teen Magazine )

Nothing short of a dramatic page-turner, guaranteed to stop your breath and keep you reading more.