Cathryn Clinton

A realistic look at how one Palestinian girl's family endures the current tensions between the Palestinians and Israelis. Malaak's father died in a bombing set by Islamic extremists. Her brother Hamid feels anger and a need to do be part of a cause, no matter the danger to himself. Malaak and her mother don't want to lose Hamid, too. Although I did not find the writing especially memorable or engaging, it is a topical novel for young readers who want to understand what's going on in the Middle East.… (meer)

This wasn't a bad book, in places it was beautifully written, but overall I found Malaak's voice unbelievable. I was expecting more outrage from Malaak and her family considering the Israeli occupation of Palestine, especially when we learn that their father is an innocent victim of a bus explosion. However, Hamid, Malaak's brother, is the only one who shows any anger at the situation the family is in, yet throughout the book he is warned to curb his hatred and desire for revenge. Considering the continual conflict between Israelis and Palestinians this was difficult to accept.… (meer)

Cathryn Clinton tells a very sad story from the view of a little girl who lost her father in the war between Israelis and Palestinians.Her way of mourning is shown in her loss of words until daily attempts and the fear about her brother, that something might happen to him, do not allow her any longer to be quiet. She wants to protect her family and really shows her bravery. Unfortunately, one day there was an incident....
Perfect book to introduce to the topic of Palestinian war or in general to deal with war.… (meer)