In The Hounded, seventeen-year-old Alexander Evans Lloyd lives in a multi-ethnic community near the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. After a 2006 terrorist attack on the schools and hospital kills his parents and friends, Xander is rescued and sent to live in Portland, Oregon with his grandfather, journalist, Gilbert Evans.

Haunted by guilt, Xander avoids making friends until Haroon, a Kurdish/American boy, coaxes him into playing soccer. When Haroon's father, Nasdar, is accused of supporting terrorism, Xander and Haroon pursue justice.