Enduring Freedom, by Trent Reedy & Jawad Arash

(Hardcover, 352 pages, first published in 2021)

September 11, 2001. Two young men on opposite sides of the world. One war that will change their lives forever...

Baheer, a studious Afghan teen, sees his family's life turned upside down when they lose their livelihood as war rocks the country. A world away, Joe, a young American army private, has to put aside his dreams of becoming a journalist when he's shipped out to Afghanistan. When Joe's unit arrives in Baheer's town, Baheer is wary of the Americans, but sees an opportunity: Not only can he practice his English with the soldiers, his family can make money delivering their supplies. At first, Joe doesn't trust Baheer, or any of the locals, but Baheer keeps showing up. As Joe and Baheer get to know each other, to see each other as individuals, they realize they have a lot more in common than they ever could have realized. But can they get past the deep differences in their lives and beliefs to become true friends and allies?

Enduring Freedom is a moving and enlightening story about how ignorance can tear us apart and how education and understanding can bring us back together.

Cautions: Redeemed Reader writes, "There’s some mild cursing, of the d-n and h-l variety...Joe is a Christian and Baheer a devout Muslim. The two religions are treated as equally valid, with more space given to Muslim beliefs." See their full review here.

Ages: 12-18