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Shadow
This is the story of Aman, as told in his own words - a boy from Afghanistan fleeing the horror of the Afghan war. When a western dog shows up outside the caves where Aman lives with his mother, Aman is initially repulsed - it is not customary for people to keep dogs as pets in his part of the world. But when Aman and his mother finally decide to make a bid for freedom, the dog Aman has called Shadow will not leave their side. Soon it becomes the destinies of boy and dog are linked, and always will be...
Paperback
First published September 30, 2010
312 people are currently reading
3450 people want to read
About the author
Michael Morpurgo
634 books3,044 followersSir Michael Andrew Morpurgo, OBE, FRSL is the author of many books for children, five of which have been made into films. He also writes his own screenplays and libretti for opera. Born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in 1943, he was evacuated to Cumberland during the last years of the Second World War, then returned to London, moving later to Essex. After a brief and unsuccessful spell in the army, he took up teaching and started to write. He left teaching after ten years in order to set up 'Farms for City Children' with his wife. They have three farms in Devon, Wales and Gloucestershire, open to inner city school children who come to stay and work with the animals. In 1999 this work was publicly recognised when he and his wife were invested a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to youth. In 2003, he was advanced to an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) in 2004. He was knighted in the 2018 for his services to literature and charity. He is also a father and grandfather, so children have always played a large part in his life. Every year he and his family spend time in the Scilly Isles, the setting for three of his books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 780 reviews
April 14, 2023
One of the most hard-hitting middle grade biographical fiction I have ever read!
Morpurgo's books are so well written with such realistic characters and storyline that it's difficult to ignore them. Once you start reading one of his books, you won't be able to stop. At least for me, it's always like that! I discovered his books at a bookfair held at the beginning of this year. Before that I was unaware of his work. And whoa, am I lucky or what?!
This book didn't disappoint me! It's well-written with strong characters emphasising war time, the people who suffered because of it, (and as for Morpurgo's books, there's always an animal we would always get attached to) there's Shadow, the dog, which had a very beautiful story to tell in the book. And then there's these two boys, one of them in an asylum with his mother, and the other, Matt, who's his best friend at school, who would try to get them out of there with the help of his grandfather.
I cried a bit towards the later half of this read. I just get what hardships the mother and the son had to go through having made to move to England from Afghanistan because of the war leaving everything behind, having to face deaths of their dear ones in front of them for nothing, having to go through hunger and near death experiences all the way through. It's just heartbreaking to know many people like them had to live without hope in such conditions.
But the book ends on such a beautiful note. I really appreciate that.
However, I feel like the ending was a bit rushed up and made to be so convenient for the characters to get what they wanted in such a short period of time.
Nevertheless, I liked everything about the book.
A memorable read indeed.
Morpurgo's books are so well written with such realistic characters and storyline that it's difficult to ignore them. Once you start reading one of his books, you won't be able to stop. At least for me, it's always like that! I discovered his books at a bookfair held at the beginning of this year. Before that I was unaware of his work. And whoa, am I lucky or what?!
This book didn't disappoint me! It's well-written with strong characters emphasising war time, the people who suffered because of it, (and as for Morpurgo's books, there's always an animal we would always get attached to) there's Shadow, the dog, which had a very beautiful story to tell in the book. And then there's these two boys, one of them in an asylum with his mother, and the other, Matt, who's his best friend at school, who would try to get them out of there with the help of his grandfather.
I cried a bit towards the later half of this read. I just get what hardships the mother and the son had to go through having made to move to England from Afghanistan because of the war leaving everything behind, having to face deaths of their dear ones in front of them for nothing, having to go through hunger and near death experiences all the way through. It's just heartbreaking to know many people like them had to live without hope in such conditions.
But the book ends on such a beautiful note. I really appreciate that.
However, I feel like the ending was a bit rushed up and made to be so convenient for the characters to get what they wanted in such a short period of time.
Nevertheless, I liked everything about the book.
A memorable read indeed.
April 18, 2025
I could just write “no”, but will try to be a little more helpful.
I could note the triggers, as some reviewers do. In the first 90 pages of this children’s book then, we have death and bereavement, brutalisation, starvation and abuse, war and oppressive regimes, detention centres and prisons, torture, and murder.
Shadow is by a well-established author and has won many awards. It is written for children between the ages of 9 and 13, and on the cover is a beautiful drawing of a Springer Spaniel. I like what I have read by Michael Morpurgo, and had bought it for a ten year old, but she will not get it! I thank my lucky stars that I always read any book I give to a child first myself.
There is a school of thought which maintains that children’s fiction should “tell it how it is”, and that it is misguided to shield youngsters from the truth. All well and good, but we do have to consider what is age appropriate. Authors such as Judy Blume, Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Rosen have all addressed social issues in their works for children. Dysfunctional families, divorce, bullying, death, bereavement and so on are all faced squarely in children’s literature nowadays. It is seen as a way of helping them to cope with and prepare for the world they will live in, to develop self-esteem and inculcate good values. This is good, I think, as long as there is also room for developing the imagination. We all need a little magic. And there do have to be limits.
In brief, the story begins with Matt, who tells his grandad about his best friend Aman. He misses Aman, who is being held with his mother in a migrant detention centre. The author paints a picture of Yarl’s Wood, just outside Manchester, with guards and security just like a prison, and all the children inside crying. The regime is brutal and heartless.
Matt is not allowed to see his friend, but gradually Aman’s mother opens up to Matt’s grandfather and tells him her story. It includes the abuse her family suffered at the hands of the Taliban in Afghanistan, how her husband had been dragged away, and she had been tortured for stealing an apple. She eventually tells how she and her son managed to flee the country.
While hiding in a cave with Aman’s grandmother, who could barely walk, Aman made friend with a mangy, starving dog, although dogs in Afghanistan were routinely stoned. This is the dog, Shadow, whom he nurses back to health despite his family’s disapproval. The dog becomes a constant companion, and back in England when Matt’s grandfather shows Aman a photo of Matt’s dog which he has smuggled in, it reminds him of Shadow. This is the “hook” for the story, which follows Aman and his mother’s desperate flight to England, where they are assured of a safe haven with another member of the family who had married an English woman and has a good business.
I believe that one can tell whether a book is worth reading by the first 100 pages (or less!) and did not read the part where Matt and his grandfather work to help Aman and his mother to get asylum. I am sure this book will have a positive ending despite the horrors, with examples of courage, loyalty and so on, and this will presumably be believed to vindicate and justify what has gone before.
2 stars means “it was OK” on the Goodreads scale. I do not feel able to give this book that rating for a child less than 13 (the top age suggested) because of the subject matter and how explicitly it was dealt with. However I can see that with careful policing by a parent, or as part of a project at school, with much discussion, this book could be used.
Michael Morpurgo has always wanted to highlight the importance of children’s literature, and he helped to establish the post of children’s laureate in the United Kingdom. This is a 2 year position, and he actually served as the children’s laureate from 2003 to 2005. There is no question that this book is well written, with believable characters and situations. The illustrations by Christian Birmingham are superb, softly shaded pencil drawings.
But if you give this to any child, please make sure they are ready for it, and that you are not led astray by the beautiful cover, as I was. I am left wishing I had not read it.
I could note the triggers, as some reviewers do. In the first 90 pages of this children’s book then, we have death and bereavement, brutalisation, starvation and abuse, war and oppressive regimes, detention centres and prisons, torture, and murder.
Shadow is by a well-established author and has won many awards. It is written for children between the ages of 9 and 13, and on the cover is a beautiful drawing of a Springer Spaniel. I like what I have read by Michael Morpurgo, and had bought it for a ten year old, but she will not get it! I thank my lucky stars that I always read any book I give to a child first myself.
There is a school of thought which maintains that children’s fiction should “tell it how it is”, and that it is misguided to shield youngsters from the truth. All well and good, but we do have to consider what is age appropriate. Authors such as Judy Blume, Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Rosen have all addressed social issues in their works for children. Dysfunctional families, divorce, bullying, death, bereavement and so on are all faced squarely in children’s literature nowadays. It is seen as a way of helping them to cope with and prepare for the world they will live in, to develop self-esteem and inculcate good values. This is good, I think, as long as there is also room for developing the imagination. We all need a little magic. And there do have to be limits.
In brief, the story begins with Matt, who tells his grandad about his best friend Aman. He misses Aman, who is being held with his mother in a migrant detention centre. The author paints a picture of Yarl’s Wood, just outside Manchester, with guards and security just like a prison, and all the children inside crying. The regime is brutal and heartless.
Matt is not allowed to see his friend, but gradually Aman’s mother opens up to Matt’s grandfather and tells him her story. It includes the abuse her family suffered at the hands of the Taliban in Afghanistan, how her husband had been dragged away, and she had been tortured for stealing an apple. She eventually tells how she and her son managed to flee the country.
While hiding in a cave with Aman’s grandmother, who could barely walk, Aman made friend with a mangy, starving dog, although dogs in Afghanistan were routinely stoned. This is the dog, Shadow, whom he nurses back to health despite his family’s disapproval. The dog becomes a constant companion, and back in England when Matt’s grandfather shows Aman a photo of Matt’s dog which he has smuggled in, it reminds him of Shadow. This is the “hook” for the story, which follows Aman and his mother’s desperate flight to England, where they are assured of a safe haven with another member of the family who had married an English woman and has a good business.
I believe that one can tell whether a book is worth reading by the first 100 pages (or less!) and did not read the part where Matt and his grandfather work to help Aman and his mother to get asylum. I am sure this book will have a positive ending despite the horrors, with examples of courage, loyalty and so on, and this will presumably be believed to vindicate and justify what has gone before.
2 stars means “it was OK” on the Goodreads scale. I do not feel able to give this book that rating for a child less than 13 (the top age suggested) because of the subject matter and how explicitly it was dealt with. However I can see that with careful policing by a parent, or as part of a project at school, with much discussion, this book could be used.
Michael Morpurgo has always wanted to highlight the importance of children’s literature, and he helped to establish the post of children’s laureate in the United Kingdom. This is a 2 year position, and he actually served as the children’s laureate from 2003 to 2005. There is no question that this book is well written, with believable characters and situations. The illustrations by Christian Birmingham are superb, softly shaded pencil drawings.
But if you give this to any child, please make sure they are ready for it, and that you are not led astray by the beautiful cover, as I was. I am left wishing I had not read it.
July 24, 2012
Shadow is a book about friendship that spans the UK and Afghanistan. Matt visits his grandfather and tells him about his best friend Aman who along with his mother has been taken to Yarl’s Wood. Aman has lived in the UK for 6 years as an asylum seeker, but according to the Government their time has run out and he has to return to Afghanistan. As Matt is not allowed to visit Aman he persuades his Grandfather, a former journalist to go to Yarl’s Wood detention centre. Aman tells of his incredible journey to the UK.
Aman, his mother and Grandmother are Hazara people, living in the hills of Afghanistan under the constant threat of the Taliban. Aman’s father has been killed some years previously. Aman’s grandmother is desperate that Aman andhis mother should join her brother in England to guarantee their safety. In the midst of this terror and confusion a bedraggled dog arrives at their cave and befriends Aman – he is initially sceptical as dogs are not regarded as necessary in his culture. As they all feared, the Taliban attack them in their cave and Aman’s grandmother is killed. Aman’s mother finds the determination and fortitude needed to leave their country and as they set off, the dog whom they christen Shadow, comes along with them. Aman and his mother face a long and treacherous journey even before they leave their own country. As they cross the border they are robbed and lose everything, but yet again Shadow remains with them. In one of the villages they are hiding in Shadow starts sniffing the ground and Aman realises he has found a bomb – he sees some British soldiers coming towards the area and runs to them alerting them to the bomb. In an amazing coincidence, Shadow turns out to be Polly, an army sniffer dog who has been missing for months. The soldiers welcome Aman and his mother but their stay is tinged with sadness as they know they will have to leave and leave Polly with the soldiers. The pair then face a terrifying journey to the UK in the back of a lorry. Aman has thrived since being in the UK which he sees as his home, he has the same interests as other UK boys of his age, including Beckham and Manchester United. His mother is terrified of returning to an Afghanistan where she would likely face torture and death.
Matt’s grandfather observes first-hand the lack of civil liberties those in the detention centre have and after hearing this extraordinary story realises that morally he has to help Aman and his mother, despite his self confidence being low after his wife’s death. His story is published in the newspaper with a call to protest outside Yarl’s Wood. Initially the protest consists of Matt and his Grandfather but gradually more people arrive including; school friends, family and finally Captain Brodie (who is now a war hero) arrives with Shadow to tell them he has used his influence to ensure that Aman and his mother are allowed to stay in the UK. Shadow and Aman’s story comes full circle and they are re-united outside the detention centre.
The value of friendship is central to this story – that between Matt and Aman, as well as between Shadow and Aman and Polly and CAPTAIN. The other key element is the question of civil liberties, how can the UK class itself as a democracy if it infringes civil rights to such a degree. What are the differences between the Afghanistan regime and the UK government? Apart from War Horse, this is the only Michael Morpurgo book I have read and I was struck by his realistic and honest depiction of the World. He describes awful situations in a compassionate and accessible way without hiding from the truth and asks very big questions. He highlights the importance of friendship and loyalty which are evident throughout the book. The last pages of the book contain author’s notes about the role of sniffer dogs within the British Army, the history of the Afghan conflict and Yarl's Wood
The book is aimed at 8 year olds but would also be enjoyed by older readers. An ideal use of the book would be in a PSHE lesson, children would discuss the value of friendships and loyalty with examples of their own and this could lead onto a conversation about conflict in general. Children could imagine themselves in a dangerous situations and how they would deal with this
Aman, his mother and Grandmother are Hazara people, living in the hills of Afghanistan under the constant threat of the Taliban. Aman’s father has been killed some years previously. Aman’s grandmother is desperate that Aman andhis mother should join her brother in England to guarantee their safety. In the midst of this terror and confusion a bedraggled dog arrives at their cave and befriends Aman – he is initially sceptical as dogs are not regarded as necessary in his culture. As they all feared, the Taliban attack them in their cave and Aman’s grandmother is killed. Aman’s mother finds the determination and fortitude needed to leave their country and as they set off, the dog whom they christen Shadow, comes along with them. Aman and his mother face a long and treacherous journey even before they leave their own country. As they cross the border they are robbed and lose everything, but yet again Shadow remains with them. In one of the villages they are hiding in Shadow starts sniffing the ground and Aman realises he has found a bomb – he sees some British soldiers coming towards the area and runs to them alerting them to the bomb. In an amazing coincidence, Shadow turns out to be Polly, an army sniffer dog who has been missing for months. The soldiers welcome Aman and his mother but their stay is tinged with sadness as they know they will have to leave and leave Polly with the soldiers. The pair then face a terrifying journey to the UK in the back of a lorry. Aman has thrived since being in the UK which he sees as his home, he has the same interests as other UK boys of his age, including Beckham and Manchester United. His mother is terrified of returning to an Afghanistan where she would likely face torture and death.
Matt’s grandfather observes first-hand the lack of civil liberties those in the detention centre have and after hearing this extraordinary story realises that morally he has to help Aman and his mother, despite his self confidence being low after his wife’s death. His story is published in the newspaper with a call to protest outside Yarl’s Wood. Initially the protest consists of Matt and his Grandfather but gradually more people arrive including; school friends, family and finally Captain Brodie (who is now a war hero) arrives with Shadow to tell them he has used his influence to ensure that Aman and his mother are allowed to stay in the UK. Shadow and Aman’s story comes full circle and they are re-united outside the detention centre.
The value of friendship is central to this story – that between Matt and Aman, as well as between Shadow and Aman and Polly and CAPTAIN. The other key element is the question of civil liberties, how can the UK class itself as a democracy if it infringes civil rights to such a degree. What are the differences between the Afghanistan regime and the UK government? Apart from War Horse, this is the only Michael Morpurgo book I have read and I was struck by his realistic and honest depiction of the World. He describes awful situations in a compassionate and accessible way without hiding from the truth and asks very big questions. He highlights the importance of friendship and loyalty which are evident throughout the book. The last pages of the book contain author’s notes about the role of sniffer dogs within the British Army, the history of the Afghan conflict and Yarl's Wood
The book is aimed at 8 year olds but would also be enjoyed by older readers. An ideal use of the book would be in a PSHE lesson, children would discuss the value of friendships and loyalty with examples of their own and this could lead onto a conversation about conflict in general. Children could imagine themselves in a dangerous situations and how they would deal with this
January 19, 2023
Morpurgo kitaplarını küçükken keşfetmeyi çok isterdim, kim bilir nasıl özel dokunulmaz gelirdi gözüme. Gerçi hala öyle.
Tarzını ve hikaye akışını çok tahmin edilebilir bulsam bile: İnsan olmanın ne demek olduğunu en gerçekçi haliyle okura aktarmasını çok seviyorum. Mesela Gölge! Özellikle çocuklar için dostluk ve empati konusunda kıymetli bir rehber bence.
Konusu gereği hassas bir kitap; yazar her şeyi olabildiğince anlaşılır işlemiş olsa da savaş/kayıplar trigger sayılabileceği için ısrarla öneririm yazmıyorum ama sakıncalı olduğunu da düşünmüyorum. Yine de aklınızda bulunsun derim işte.
Tarzını ve hikaye akışını çok tahmin edilebilir bulsam bile: İnsan olmanın ne demek olduğunu en gerçekçi haliyle okura aktarmasını çok seviyorum. Mesela Gölge! Özellikle çocuklar için dostluk ve empati konusunda kıymetli bir rehber bence.
Konusu gereği hassas bir kitap; yazar her şeyi olabildiğince anlaşılır işlemiş olsa da savaş/kayıplar trigger sayılabileceği için ısrarla öneririm yazmıyorum ama sakıncalı olduğunu da düşünmüyorum. Yine de aklınızda bulunsun derim işte.
August 10, 2022
The book was ok. I believe it was written for a youthful audience but talking about abuse while in Afghanistan and the war is heavy stuff. I guess I don't like thinking about Afghanistan, especially since Biden gave it back to the Taliban after all the sacrifice that was put into it. (I know we had to get out of the country but it was handed back to the Taliban in a transition that was worse then Vietnam).
The story was ok. Matt in England has a friend Aman and his mom who are in Yarl's Wood, an immigration removal center in the UK. Matt's grandfather visits Aman, we are told the family's story that get them to England, and a story of a dog in Afghanistan of importance. Then Matt and his grandfather work to help get asylum for Aman and his mom.
The story was ok. Matt in England has a friend Aman and his mom who are in Yarl's Wood, an immigration removal center in the UK. Matt's grandfather visits Aman, we are told the family's story that get them to England, and a story of a dog in Afghanistan of importance. Then Matt and his grandfather work to help get asylum for Aman and his mom.
May 25, 2018
I am a huge fan of Morpurgo's book but sometimes find him a bit 'samey'. This knocked my socks off. A stunning story and very relevant to today. I would love to read this to a class of children. The discussions it would raise on asylum seekers, war torn countries, the empathy it could bring out.
I also cried buckets!
I also cried buckets!
January 20, 2013
The good thing about Michael Morpurgo books is they do not delve into politics, but focus on the human cost and the lives of ordinary people effected by events outside their control.Imagine your are living in a good country your family can make a living and you have freedom, education,the country has history of ancient civilisation. Then one day you are invaded by a foreign power (Russia ) the fighting starts and goes on for years and you gradually lose everything , then the Russians leave and you think things will improve and go back to the way it was, but no the Taliban take over and make everyones lives hellish. Aman ends up living in a cave with his family having lost everything, when a springer spaniel appears at the mouth of the cave lost and starving, the 2 build up a bond,the family start a treacherous journey to England, on the way you learn why the family have ended up in the cave. You also find out the dog is a British military dog who has got lost and is also trying to find his way home.The family find their way to England and settle down and try to start their lives again but it is not to be, and they are uprooted once again and put in danger.This time they have made good friends in England who want to help them and will pull out all the stops to do so but will it be enough ..... This book will keep you hoping and your heart in your mouth until the end.
June 22, 2014
Izzie and I were blown away by this book, another absolutely gripping story from Michael Morpurgo, this time set in Afghanistan and England. Told by three different voices, Grandpa, Matt and Aman, 'Shadow' tells of how Aman and his mother, helped by the stray dog they call Shadow, escape from Afghanistan and the Taliban to move to England and a better, safer, life with Uncle Mir and Aunt Mina.
Morpurgo yomps the reader across the terrors of Afghanistan under the Taliban, and introduces us to the people who turn to 'fixers' - themselves dangerous men - desperate to escape the dangers of life in the country. This is a hard hitting book and tears were shed both in the back of the dark and claustrophobic truck and in Yarl's Wood Detention Centre, where Aman and his mother ultimately find themselves.
'Shadow' raises many questions - why do we keep children in prison? Why can't grandpa bring in presents for Aman? Why do we send people back to dangerous countries? What are asylum seekers? Could we find ourselves suddenly deported to a strange and dangerous country? This is a great book to use when discussing the plight of refugees; Morpurgo takes the often faceless masses seen on the TV news and re-humanises them.
Totally recommended.
Morpurgo yomps the reader across the terrors of Afghanistan under the Taliban, and introduces us to the people who turn to 'fixers' - themselves dangerous men - desperate to escape the dangers of life in the country. This is a hard hitting book and tears were shed both in the back of the dark and claustrophobic truck and in Yarl's Wood Detention Centre, where Aman and his mother ultimately find themselves.
'Shadow' raises many questions - why do we keep children in prison? Why can't grandpa bring in presents for Aman? Why do we send people back to dangerous countries? What are asylum seekers? Could we find ourselves suddenly deported to a strange and dangerous country? This is a great book to use when discussing the plight of refugees; Morpurgo takes the often faceless masses seen on the TV news and re-humanises them.
Totally recommended.
April 20, 2018
Estou bastante tocado e emocionado com o livro que não vou esquecer tão cedo!
A história é contada por três pessoas: o Matt, o seu avô e o Aman.
O Matt é um rapaz britânico de 14 anos e o Aman é o seu melhor amigo afegão/hazara da mesma idade. Este juntamente com a sua mãe são presos por serem imigrantes ilegais e têm que ser deportados de volta para o Afeganistão. Já estavam em Inglaterra há 6 anos e não tinham obtido asilo.
A pedido do neto, o avô que é jornalista reformado vai visitar o rapaz afegão na prisão...
O relato de Aman que é de tocar profundamente o coração...
Amei a cadela Sombra! Foi ela que o salvou e a sua mãe.
É muito chocante o modo de como os imigrantes são tratados como lixo, e ainda mais chocante quando são as crianças que morrem durante as viagens muito deploráveis. Isto tem que parar!
Recomendo altamente o livro!
E gostei muito das ilustrações.
A história é contada por três pessoas: o Matt, o seu avô e o Aman.
O Matt é um rapaz britânico de 14 anos e o Aman é o seu melhor amigo afegão/hazara da mesma idade. Este juntamente com a sua mãe são presos por serem imigrantes ilegais e têm que ser deportados de volta para o Afeganistão. Já estavam em Inglaterra há 6 anos e não tinham obtido asilo.
A pedido do neto, o avô que é jornalista reformado vai visitar o rapaz afegão na prisão...
O relato de Aman que é de tocar profundamente o coração...
Amei a cadela Sombra! Foi ela que o salvou e a sua mãe.
É muito chocante o modo de como os imigrantes são tratados como lixo, e ainda mais chocante quando são as crianças que morrem durante as viagens muito deploráveis. Isto tem que parar!
Recomendo altamente o livro!
E gostei muito das ilustrações.
November 2, 2024
War, human beings, animals and the relationship remain central to the stories of Michael Morpurgo. Only difference this time modern time war struck Afghanistan. Captivating story with the narrative style made me stick to the book till the last page.
November 2, 2021
Shadow switches between three viewpoints as Matt and his Grandfather seek to help Matt's friend Aman. Aman and his mother escaped from Afganistan and have been living in England for six years. However, they have been put in Yarl's Wood, a holding area while people wait to be shipped back to their countries. The main part of the story consists of Aman telling the story of their escape to Matt's grandfather when he visits Aman at Yarl's Wood. A key part of the story is Shadow, a spaniel that Aman nurses back to health, who accompanies Aman and his Mother on their journey. As the story progresses, Matt and his grandfather struggle to help Aman before Aman and his Mother are sent back to Afganistan. This was a quick and easy read, but as it is set during the most recent war in Afganistan, there are some violent scenes.
June 7, 2020
This is one of my favourite Michael Morpurgo books! It incorporates some lovely images making it visual. This book makes you feel a variety of emotions from happiness to sadness and is a touching story of a child and his mother who live in Afghanistan. A English springer spaniel becomes his friend and companion. I think this book is suitable for 8-9 year olds.
February 20, 2021
Another great Michael Morpurgo book. This is about a little boy and his mum who flee Afghanistan with a dog. Quite an emotional read but with a great message. ❤
January 15, 2021
I own this book.
This book tells the story of an Afghanistani asylum seeker and his mother who have been placed back into the system to be deported back to Afghanistan from England and how his best friend from school misses him dearly. Matt, the friend, tells his former journalist grandfather who goes to visit Aman and his mother in a detention centre and becomes engaged in their story. This is a good book, harrowing, sad and it doesn't soften the blow of experiences of asylum seekers coming from war-torn countries even though this is even a kid's book. Which is also why it's getting three stars and not higher, I know kids must be introduced to tough topics, but as a 23-year-old, even I found this book difficult to read at times and had to set it down a couple of times to regather my thoughts.
This book tells the story of an Afghanistani asylum seeker and his mother who have been placed back into the system to be deported back to Afghanistan from England and how his best friend from school misses him dearly. Matt, the friend, tells his former journalist grandfather who goes to visit Aman and his mother in a detention centre and becomes engaged in their story. This is a good book, harrowing, sad and it doesn't soften the blow of experiences of asylum seekers coming from war-torn countries even though this is even a kid's book. Which is also why it's getting three stars and not higher, I know kids must be introduced to tough topics, but as a 23-year-old, even I found this book difficult to read at times and had to set it down a couple of times to regather my thoughts.
May 1, 2014
This book is by the same author who wrote War Horse, and while that might be a plus for some it was off putting for me. Although I haven't read War Horse, I was in the minority that didn't like the movie. I actually bought this book months ago, so I took my time to read it!
Basically this is the story of Aman, a refugee from Afghanistan. He has lived in England for almost six years since escaping his war torn country, but wakes up one day to find that his asylum has been denied and his mother will be flow back to Afghanistan in a few weeks. His best mate Matt tells the sad story to his Grandfather, a journalist, who visits Aman in the detention centre and gets his story to the world.
I enjoyed the personal effect of the story being told to another, and the breakdown of chapters. I liked the realism of the story, and the illustrations are gorgeous. This book probably suits preteens best, but there is some very serious themes here. I liked the dog too, Shadow is a great little character.
Definitely five stars, parents read along with your children so you can explain some of the darkness to them.
Basically this is the story of Aman, a refugee from Afghanistan. He has lived in England for almost six years since escaping his war torn country, but wakes up one day to find that his asylum has been denied and his mother will be flow back to Afghanistan in a few weeks. His best mate Matt tells the sad story to his Grandfather, a journalist, who visits Aman in the detention centre and gets his story to the world.
I enjoyed the personal effect of the story being told to another, and the breakdown of chapters. I liked the realism of the story, and the illustrations are gorgeous. This book probably suits preteens best, but there is some very serious themes here. I liked the dog too, Shadow is a great little character.
Definitely five stars, parents read along with your children so you can explain some of the darkness to them.
October 22, 2015
Shadow
Michael espesully
WARNING SPOILER ALERT
This book review is based on a book named Shadow.This book takes place in Afghanistan durning the war with the Taliban.The main character is a dog named Shadow.This dog is a very brave dog.She was an army dog and save the life of Aman ,a young boy that lived with is mother.Aman lost most of his family durning the war.The goal was to get to England to live with is Uncle Mir.I loved this book because it was touching and i realized that many people don't have the life that I have.I especially if you like dogs.
By:Mia Acuna
1st period class
Michael espesully
WARNING SPOILER ALERT
This book review is based on a book named Shadow.This book takes place in Afghanistan durning the war with the Taliban.The main character is a dog named Shadow.This dog is a very brave dog.She was an army dog and save the life of Aman ,a young boy that lived with is mother.Aman lost most of his family durning the war.The goal was to get to England to live with is Uncle Mir.I loved this book because it was touching and i realized that many people don't have the life that I have.I especially if you like dogs.
By:Mia Acuna
1st period class
April 1, 2022
Did both me and kiddo cry when reading this book? Yes. Yes we did.
This was incredible. How refugees are treated in the UK (not well). The war in Afghanistan. How it is to flee and get… “help”... from smugglers.
It’s very dramatic, quite horrific at times. But there’s hope just the way a child can have, and there’s a dog that helps said child to keep said hope. And it is absolutly brilliant. I don’t know how else to describe it. Both me and kiddo bawled our eyes out at the end, which made it quite problematic to read loud.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s so amazing. And perfect these days to understand all the refugees.
This was incredible. How refugees are treated in the UK (not well). The war in Afghanistan. How it is to flee and get… “help”... from smugglers.
It’s very dramatic, quite horrific at times. But there’s hope just the way a child can have, and there’s a dog that helps said child to keep said hope. And it is absolutly brilliant. I don’t know how else to describe it. Both me and kiddo bawled our eyes out at the end, which made it quite problematic to read loud.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s so amazing. And perfect these days to understand all the refugees.
April 20, 2022
Shadow is definitely one of my favourite books. I love Michael Morpurgo’s books as many of them are about animals. This book in particular is about the relationship between a boy and a dog. A relationship which could easily make anyone emotional. There’s not much to say about this book without spoiling it. It’s a young adult novel (10-15) and is based around the true story of Aman, a young boy, in the Afghan war. Shadow is the name of the real sniffer dog who helped Aman and his journey to seek Asylum. Doesn’t this already make you want to read it?
October 9, 2022
This book has opened my eyes to the horrors families like Aman’s have had to face from their treatment in their own country, their journeys to seeking asylum, to then being detained in the country that is their new and rightful home.
I was unaware of detention centres such as Yarl’s Wood and it’s in the county I live in. Shadow has been an incredibly informative read for me as an adult so this is one I would highly recommend to middle graders and adults alike.
I was unaware of detention centres such as Yarl’s Wood and it’s in the county I live in. Shadow has been an incredibly informative read for me as an adult so this is one I would highly recommend to middle graders and adults alike.
March 17, 2014
He tackles very deep subjects with enormous tact and care giving children – and adults - the chance to explore serious issues. As always this book is beautifully written with warm characters and a hefty dollop of reality.
January 25, 2018
i really liked this book. Although it is sad, it is worth reading.
June 13, 2019
I read this to my 7yo and he loved it. So did I.
February 2, 2024
Aman and his family lived in the beautiful and peaceful valley of Bamiyan. When Russian fighters came followed by the Taliban, Afghanistan was no longer the safe home that Aman and his people once knew. Forced to flee his homeland, Aman and his mother make the perilous journey to England through Kabul, Kandahar, Iran, Turkey, and across the English Channel. Through it all, he was given comfort, joy, and hope through a Springer Spaniel that he named Shadow. Now, six years later, Aman and his mother face deportation and it’s up to his classmate Matt and his grandfather to find a way to keep Aman in England. With time running out, will Aman lose his new home just like he lost Shadow?
Michael Morpurgo is the reason why historical fiction is my favorite genre. His strong characters take center stage while historical facts and pivotal details provide a colorful backdrop to a compelling and heart-pounding story. Morpurgo sheds light on a region where the police are just as dangerous as the area warlords and local militias; and he shows readers that money can’t guarantee safety and trusted allies are easily corrupted by force or bribery. It is a dangerous world and Aman discovers this all too soon at the young age of eight.
Morpurgo also introduces readers to Yarl’s Wood—a place where Aman and his mother are kept prior to their scheduled deportation. Opened in 2001, the facility is in Bedfordshire, UK and is the main removal center for up to 405 individuals. A second wing added in 2002 increased capacity to 900. Shadow details the horrific conditions of the facility including poor living conditions, children being separated from their parents, and a lack of access to legal representation. According to a recent online article by the BBC (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-b...), the facility now houses only men and although conditions seem to be improving, officials admit that there is still more work to be done.
Shadow is told from three points of view: Aman, Matt, and Matt’s grandfather. For the most part, Aman is our main narrator and through his lens we experience courage and hope of the strongest measure. This book is recommended for readers ages 10 to 14 and contains passages dealing with physical abuse, death, and animal cruelty. Opting for the higher end of the age range might be a safe choice for sensitive readers although all will benefit from the accurate account of a region and people in turmoil while navigating the emotions that this raw, immersive, and captivating story provides.
Shadow reminds us to never underestimate the human spirit or the impact that a loyal and brave companion has on our own capacity to trust and endure the seemingly unbearable. During one of their more difficult times, Aman’s mother said to him, “She may be a dog, but I think she is more like a friend than a dog, like a friendly shadow that does not want to leave us. You never lose your shadow.”
We’re now posting videos of some of our book reviews! Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thedustyjacket or on Instagram @tdjreviews and join in on the fun!
Michael Morpurgo is the reason why historical fiction is my favorite genre. His strong characters take center stage while historical facts and pivotal details provide a colorful backdrop to a compelling and heart-pounding story. Morpurgo sheds light on a region where the police are just as dangerous as the area warlords and local militias; and he shows readers that money can’t guarantee safety and trusted allies are easily corrupted by force or bribery. It is a dangerous world and Aman discovers this all too soon at the young age of eight.
Morpurgo also introduces readers to Yarl’s Wood—a place where Aman and his mother are kept prior to their scheduled deportation. Opened in 2001, the facility is in Bedfordshire, UK and is the main removal center for up to 405 individuals. A second wing added in 2002 increased capacity to 900. Shadow details the horrific conditions of the facility including poor living conditions, children being separated from their parents, and a lack of access to legal representation. According to a recent online article by the BBC (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-b...), the facility now houses only men and although conditions seem to be improving, officials admit that there is still more work to be done.
Shadow is told from three points of view: Aman, Matt, and Matt’s grandfather. For the most part, Aman is our main narrator and through his lens we experience courage and hope of the strongest measure. This book is recommended for readers ages 10 to 14 and contains passages dealing with physical abuse, death, and animal cruelty. Opting for the higher end of the age range might be a safe choice for sensitive readers although all will benefit from the accurate account of a region and people in turmoil while navigating the emotions that this raw, immersive, and captivating story provides.
Shadow reminds us to never underestimate the human spirit or the impact that a loyal and brave companion has on our own capacity to trust and endure the seemingly unbearable. During one of their more difficult times, Aman’s mother said to him, “She may be a dog, but I think she is more like a friend than a dog, like a friendly shadow that does not want to leave us. You never lose your shadow.”
We’re now posting videos of some of our book reviews! Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thedustyjacket or on Instagram @tdjreviews and join in on the fun!
February 6, 2021
I was recommended this book for my February reading challenge (book set in Afghanistan) and I'm so thankful to that person for bringing it to my attention. What a heartbreaking, yet touching story of one boy and his mother's treacherous journey from Afghanistan to England, seeking a safer life.
Told from three different perspectives, we follow Aman's story about how a brave and loyal dog took refuge in Aman's cave (his home in Afghanistan) and formed an instant friendship with the boy. When Afghanistan is no longer safe, the dog leads Aman and his mother to safety. After six years in England, they are suddenly ripped from their lives and taken to a jail-like detention centre where they will be deported to Afghanistan against their will. Aman's best friend, Matt, and his grandpa hear Aman's story and fight to help him and his mother remain in their true home.
This is a great book to start with for those who want an introduction to Afghanistan's history and war, and the distressing, often impossible journey that many refugees must make in order to seek asylum in a safe country. It is a simple read, easy to get through in a few hours, yet is by no means de-sensitised. Told from the eyes of a young boy, the story is perhaps even harder to digest, as you imagine him living this dangerous journey, terrified, distraught, hopeful. It's not an easy read and it will make you think hard about those that do not have the comforts and safety often taken for granted in first-world countries. I would highly recommend for both adults and children, and believe this is one of those books that everyone should read, to gain insight into a world we could never even imagine.
Rating breakdown
Plot/narrative - 4.6
Writing style/readability - 4.5
Characters - 4.5
Diverse themes - 4.8
Ending - 4.3
Overall - 4.5
Told from three different perspectives, we follow Aman's story about how a brave and loyal dog took refuge in Aman's cave (his home in Afghanistan) and formed an instant friendship with the boy. When Afghanistan is no longer safe, the dog leads Aman and his mother to safety. After six years in England, they are suddenly ripped from their lives and taken to a jail-like detention centre where they will be deported to Afghanistan against their will. Aman's best friend, Matt, and his grandpa hear Aman's story and fight to help him and his mother remain in their true home.
This is a great book to start with for those who want an introduction to Afghanistan's history and war, and the distressing, often impossible journey that many refugees must make in order to seek asylum in a safe country. It is a simple read, easy to get through in a few hours, yet is by no means de-sensitised. Told from the eyes of a young boy, the story is perhaps even harder to digest, as you imagine him living this dangerous journey, terrified, distraught, hopeful. It's not an easy read and it will make you think hard about those that do not have the comforts and safety often taken for granted in first-world countries. I would highly recommend for both adults and children, and believe this is one of those books that everyone should read, to gain insight into a world we could never even imagine.
Rating breakdown
Plot/narrative - 4.6
Writing style/readability - 4.5
Characters - 4.5
Diverse themes - 4.8
Ending - 4.3
Overall - 4.5
June 4, 2022
Ce minune de carte!🥰♥️ O poveste despre putere, speranta, curaj si inteligenta unui catel🥰♥️ Este povestea unui baietel afgan, Aman si a curajosului catel Shadow(Polly).
Aman, un baietel de 8 ani, reuseste sa scape din iadul razboiului, din Afganistan impreuna cu mama lui si indragitul catel Shadow, o faptura minunata capabila de loialitate, perseverenta si curaj. Insa drumul celor 3 catre Manchester se dovedeste a fi anevoios, cu pericole pandind la tot pasul iar cu timpul, Aman afla ca Shadow nu este un simplu Springer Spaniel, ci unul special.
Timpul in schimb nu le rezerva numai lucruri bune, asa ca dupa 6 ani de azil, Aman si mama lui sunt inchisi in timp ce autoritatile incearca sa ii deporteze inapoi in Afganistan😞
O poveste extrem de emotionanta pentru mine. Finalul mi-a fost pe suflet!🥹
5🌟/5🌟♥️🌸
Aman, un baietel de 8 ani, reuseste sa scape din iadul razboiului, din Afganistan impreuna cu mama lui si indragitul catel Shadow, o faptura minunata capabila de loialitate, perseverenta si curaj. Insa drumul celor 3 catre Manchester se dovedeste a fi anevoios, cu pericole pandind la tot pasul iar cu timpul, Aman afla ca Shadow nu este un simplu Springer Spaniel, ci unul special.
Timpul in schimb nu le rezerva numai lucruri bune, asa ca dupa 6 ani de azil, Aman si mama lui sunt inchisi in timp ce autoritatile incearca sa ii deporteze inapoi in Afganistan😞
O poveste extrem de emotionanta pentru mine. Finalul mi-a fost pe suflet!🥹
5🌟/5🌟♥️🌸
January 16, 2022
Amazing!
Read
November 28, 2022omg i remember SOBBINg over this book as a child
March 12, 2021
A real eye-opening story! This story really teaches children about events that happen in the world every day. Some of the story was based on true events. E.g. the asylum centre is in Bedfordshire. This is about a boy who is an asylum seeker who is is at an asylum centre waiting to be deported back to his home country. He really doesn't want to go after settling into England - he has lived there for six years now with his mother. His friend is desperate to stop him being deported with the help of his grandfather. They visit him in the asylum centre and listen to his story of why and how he got to come and live in England. Eventually, the boy and his Grandad win!
April 19, 2018
Beautiful story. Read it like 4 times, it's just so emotional and touching and so very realistic. Definitely recommend this book for people who love a good emotional story, and especially if you like dogs.
Review edit
I rate this book 9/10. As I just said it's such a beautiful story. The only flaw is the writing style is a little simple and I'm kind of only interested in the past not the present aspect, but luckily it is mostly the back story of Aman so this was a beautiful book. I cried the first time I read it when I was much younger, it is a great book.
Review edit
I rate this book 9/10. As I just said it's such a beautiful story. The only flaw is the writing style is a little simple and I'm kind of only interested in the past not the present aspect, but luckily it is mostly the back story of Aman so this was a beautiful book. I cried the first time I read it when I was much younger, it is a great book.
January 2, 2011
Read this to my boys (9 and 11) and it is a fantastic book. Quite serious and sad but the author handles a really dificult subject matter from a child's point of view with great sympathy and unbelievable insight. I learnt something and so have my boys. I will certainly have more sympathy with asylum seekers from now on and it is a great lesson to the boys when a map pops up on the news and I can say that is the town (Kabul) that we are reading about.
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