An American kid, in a place he doesn’t understand.

Doug Wilhelm’s 17th book is at once a thrilling adventure and a multicultural coming-of-age story. During a single week in 1984 in Peshawar, an age-old border city in Pakistan’s legendary Northwest Frontier Province, four teenagers — an American who doesn’t want to be there, an Afghan refugee who becomes his friend, and a quarreling local brother and sister — are dangerously caught up amid rising extremism, a forbidden romance, the power of music, and an ancient true story.

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"An ingeniously written tale about a young American's search for truth, love and meaning in an enchanting and sometimes violent world."        Ali Asani, Professor of Indo-Muslim Cultures, Harvard University

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from Kirkus Reviews:

The thriller educates readers about the mid-'80s forces that led up to 9/11, and Wilhelm also provides a useful historical afterword covering 1985 to the present day. An especially strong, moving, and well-described theme is the power of music to overcome barriers of many kinds, while the book also honestly acknowledges limitations and challenges in fighting extremism. Luke is a believable character who makes mistakes but also redeems himself with courage and generosity.

An entertaining, thoughtful look at a complicated historical, religious, artistic, and cultural crossroads.

from The Bridge, Montpelier, Vt.'s capital city newspaper:

Wilhelm writes young-adult novels about adolescent boys in a bind who use their wits to get through. Most famously, he wrote The Revealers, which tells the story of a middle school kid who figures out a way to confront the bullies in his school. ... Wilhelm has now written a new novel in this genre, called Street of Storytellers. Same genre, yes — an American 15-year-old with family problems — but it moves way beyond the scope of his earlier work.

From the book bloggers:

Part historical, part coming of age with lots of suspense, this wonderfully told story had me invested from beginning to end. ... I highly recommend this important story to both YA and adult readers.
David L. Morgan

I can see the bazaars and people selling goods, the colors, the smells – it lifts right off the page. ... You know a story is good when you don’t want it to end. As soon as I turned the last page, I wanted to continue it with this story.
Really Into This

An intense, captivating, riveting, intriguing and significant novel.
Linda’s Book Obsession

This part coming of age part historical novel had me at the beginning with its superb writing and suspense. I read this in one sitting and was fascinated.
The Weekend Booker

Wow what a surprising read. Couldn’t put it down and enjoyed every minute of it. ... I was so hooked in the story. ... I love the setting and theme in the storyline. I love the characters! I highly recommend everybody read and get this book!
Abdulia Coffee Book Addict

Vividly told, fascinating, and compelling ... a special story with a unique premise.
Berit&Books

Street of Storytellers honestly amazed me. ... I was fascinated by the way the author incorporated everything into this beautiful coming-of-age story. To be honest, I didn’t know much about this area and even though this book is fiction, I definitely learned a lot. I suggest this book to anyone — young or old. I don’t want to give away too many details, because reading this was the best way to experience this story!
Sealed with a Book

A beautifully told story about three different families from extremely different worlds discovering how they fit together.
Amy Gilbreth
Amy Lyn Lifestyle

Though the book is a short and quick read, the message is deep and gives a perspective on our world when extremists try to silence the voices of people that want change for the oppressed, and maintain the freedom we take for granted. This is an amazing story that I highly recommend. An amazing coming-of-age novel that is gripping and intense. It is unique unlike any other book I have read before. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to have been changed because of this book.
Nurse Bookie

I flew through this thrilling novel and ended up truly enjoying it! Each page turn, each character, brought me closer to an end I didn’t want to happen because I really felt a part of it and fell in love with all the characters! Luke’s story is told in vivid detail. Wilhelm captured the life, and happenings in Pakistan in a way that made me feel as if I was walking beside Luke, experiencing all his emotions and seeing all his new surroundings as if they were my own. ... Street Of Storytellers is an emotional book, one that will have you on the edge of your seat, palms sweating, while you find out what’s going on in young Luke’s life. ... You’ll find yourself sucked into the danger and twists of this captivating novel.
cover2covercafe

What an unusual, original read! ... This book encompasses so much. I learned about culture and history in a way I didn’t expect. The mystery enthralled me, and the messages from Luke’s coming-of-age were relatable. Overall, I enjoyed this tense, suspenseful book and all it had to offer.
Tarheel Reader