Sirens of Baghdad

I agree with Pat that this book definitely has a negative tone and perspective. In the other books that we have read there has been a balance between the challenges and also some positive events. This book however, seems mostly negative. This causes a lot of sympathy for the people of this small town. 

The scene that stuck out to me the most is the scene that most people probably reacted to, Sulayman's death. He was mentally ill and injured. His father and the narrator were taking him to the health clinic after he cut off two of his fingers and was bleeding badly. They had to go a different way as there was thought to be an attack on their route. On the way they are stopped at  a checkpoint where they must speak to the American soldiers. They were very respectful and did what they were told, but still did not please the American soldiers who began to yell. The yelling only upset Sulayman who began to run around due to fear and confusion. The frightened American soldiers overreacted and shot him saying he was carrying explosives. It was very sad that he had to die so young and for no reason. The town was deeply saddened at the loss. It shows the hard life style that they have to live in.