Netta, an Israeli, is troubled when her brother doesn't come home. The family had moved to Los Angeles, and had brought their knowledge of the terror of Palestinian/Israeli conflict with them, and it affected how they saw things. A Palestinian boy, who reminds her of suicide bombers, sits down, and she suddenly suspects him in her brother's disappearance. In the end of the book, Netta and her parents find out that Adam was NOT killed because he was Jewish or from Israeal. The Palestinians had nothing to do with his death. ( )

An Israeli teenager's disappearance propels this suspenseful story that reveals some of the tensions in Israeli-Palestinian relations. The Los Angeles setting brings the conflict home to American teens; the ending is painful. ( )

A good example of realistic fiction because actual, prominent issues are dealt with in this story. While not a literally true story, these types of experiences occur frequently. This story depicts a Jewish family recently moved to Los Angeles from Israel who has not made many friends and suddenly the teenage son disappears. Told from the perspective of the little sister who is in middle school, each member of the family seeks to find out more about this young man that may help them find out where he has gone. There are many harsh feelings between Israelis and Palestinians in this book and it is for some time believed that there could be acts of terrorism behind the disappearance. While this conflict, as is the Northern Ireland conflict, is incredibly simplified, a message is sent throughout the book that pleads for people to open their minds and hearts and cease this pointless hatred.

Media: cover is mixed media ( )

Story of a Jewish family recently moved to Californai who's oldest son goes missing and their search for him. The family has been imprinted by their experience with Jewish/Palestinian hatred and fighting, and believes he may have been abducted by terrorists. The story explores prejudices and the need to learn about each individual and not evaluate anyone by the actions of people within their ethnic group. ( )