When I set out to write a book about the natural history of breasts, I knew I'd have to answer some awkward questions about my book topic. At a...
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This is an excellent, timely, and believable book, set in Ramallah and focusing on the aspirations of Karim Aboudi, a 12-year-old Palestinian boy who suffers under the Israeli occupation. It gives a clear, detailed picture of ways he and his family and friends are frustrated by the curfews imposed on them and how difficult they find it to study or conduct business. Televison announcements of more and more deaths punctuate the time at home, and only the "little piece of ground" shown Karim by his friend Hopper serves as a refuge from the incursions of the Israelis. It is a tranquil place where the boys can play soccer and paint a Palestinian flag, and it is unthinkable that it, too, should be violated. Exciting, tense passages describe the boys' dodging soldiers' bullets and Karim's hiding in an old car on the lot, where he also temporarily finds solace with a cat and her kittens. The story ends with an affirmation of the battle for pride and the will to survive the oppression.
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Ann Derrickson has commented on (1) product.
A Little Piece of Ground by Elizabeth Laird
Ann Derrickson, November 7, 2006
This is an excellent, timely, and believable book, set in Ramallah and focusing on the aspirations of Karim Aboudi, a 12-year-old Palestinian boy who suffers under the Israeli occupation. It gives a clear, detailed picture of ways he and his family and friends are frustrated by the curfews imposed on them and how difficult they find it to study or conduct business. Televison announcements of more and more deaths punctuate the time at home, and only the "little piece of ground" shown Karim by his friend Hopper serves as a refuge from the incursions of the Israelis. It is a tranquil place where the boys can play soccer and paint a Palestinian flag, and it is unthinkable that it, too, should be violated. Exciting, tense passages describe the boys' dodging soldiers' bullets and Karim's hiding in an old car on the lot, where he also temporarily finds solace with a cat and her kittens. The story ends with an affirmation of the battle for pride and the will to survive the oppression.(5 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)